I looked at the boat; the interval that parted me from it had not narrowed by an inch, and its head was straight for the coast of France.

I raised my voice, crying: "Stop, stop!" No answer came.

The boat moved on.

The slim figure bent and rose again, the blades moved through the water.

Well then, the card should be played, the trick of a wily gamester, but my only resource.
"Help, help!" I cried; and letting my legs fall and raising my hands over my head, I inhaled a full breath and sank like a stone, far out of sight beneath the water.