By this time my pursuer was a hundred yards away, thinking himself sure of me at last, and saving his breath.
It was a race whether he or the _Misericorde_ would be upon me the sooner, but I settled that.

For, as the ship came up, slowing towards the end of her tack, I took a few strokes out to meet her, and then turning my boats' head quickly slipped close under.

I had already marked a rope that hung from the poop within reach, and on this, when the moment came, I ventured my all.

Taking the cloak over my shoulder, and casting away my oars, I sprang to my feet, and gave one leap which sent my empty boat staggering back into her owner's hands, while it left me hanging 'twixt heaven and earth.
To haul myself aboard was the work of a minute; even as I did so, I could see out of the corner of my eye my pursuer staring round at me, amazed, while he reached out to secure his truant craft.

But that was all I saw of him, for next moment I stood on deck half-fainting, face to face with Ludar and the maiden and a stranger..