I was tired out, and the hideous darkness sometimes made me think of giving up the struggle.

The clouds gathered darker, the stars disappeared; I began to doubt whether I was taking the right direction, and I was making very little way.

I knew the game was nearly up--my chest heaved--countless sparks rose before my eyes.

Just then, my boy, when I had glided half unconsciously down the slope of a wave, I felt something under my feet that was no longer water." "It was land!" cried Anton.
"Yes," said Fink; "it was good firm sand.

I found myself on shore about a mile to leeward of my clothes, and fell down like a dead seal." Then stopping, and with a steady look at Anton, "Now, mate, get ready!" cried he; "take your legs from under the bench; I am going to tack and make for shore.