I own these latter were stronger rowers than I, for still they seemed to be creeping up upon me at every stroke, and by nothing I could do was I able to put more distance between us.

Should they overtake me, there would be more delay, and that, whatever came of it, meant that the ship would be gone beyond all reach.

However, when at length I swung round the point and looked up the broad reach that leads to Woolwich, there to my joy, half a mile ahead was the _Misericorde_, setting her sails and waiting on the coming breeze.
I paused not to shout, but gathered together all my powers, and let out with my oars until I thought they would crack.

For half-an-hour I could not say whether I was gaining on her, or my waterman on me.

At length I resolved to risk the short delay of a signal.