Their clothing and provisions were firmly lashed up in pieces of tarpaulin.

The three silently and cautiously crept to the side; a sharp knife severed the rope that held up one end of the fender and the other was lowered quietly until the plank was afloat on the surface.

A couple of turns were taken in the rope that held it over a belaying pin, and Paul said: "Now is the time, one of you slip down the rope and deposit the bags on the planks.

Then get in the water and rest your hands on the side." The water was very phosphorescent and the fish left trails of light after them as they dashed hither and thither below.

Just as one of the sailors was about to step over and descend, either a porpoise or some large fish shot from under the vessel and left quite a trail of light in its wake.