"I'se dibe like porpuss an' swim like fiss." "I know that," said Captain Miles laughing.

"I recollect the way you came aboard my ship.

But you can try if you like, darkey.

If you find that axe, you'll be the saving of all of us, and give a fair return for your passage, my hearty!" Jake did not need any further persuasion.
Making his way along the bulwarks, he clambered on to the main rigging, now lying flat across the capsized vessel, until he came to a clear space between the mainmast and the forecastle, from whence the boats and cook's galley had been washed away.

Jumping into the water at this point, he swam towards the spot where he thought the entrance to the forecastle should lie, for the sea was washing about forward, and nothing to be seen above the surface but a small portion of the port bulwarks near the dead-eyes of the fore-shrouds and a bit of the port cat-head.
Jake then dived below the water, disappearing from our view for a few seconds that seemed interminable as we waited.
"I hope he hasn't come to grief," said Captain Miles anxiously.