He can't overpower both of those men alone." He held tightly to the shoes and the coat, and looked longingly after the swimmer, turning his eyes often to the sloop, that now, under the influence of a light breeze, was going along in a surprising fashion.
"And how did Inza come to be aboard of that sloop ?" Bart had not time to think of this before, but now the answer came quickly enough.

Inza's clothing had clung to her, as she rushed on the deck, showing that her skirts were weighted with water.

No doubt, she, too, had been hurled into the sea by the collision of the steamer with the barge, and this fishing-boat had in some manner picked her up.
"It's very queer, though, the way that fellow acted! She was afraid of him.

But she is below, and he is now on deck.

Likely enough he has her shut up in the cabin." He beheld Merriwell lift himself slightly out of the water and send out a ringing call.