The voices came from no great distance--certainly not above half a mile.

On one occasion he had accomplished a league in a rough sea! There could be no difficulty in doing as much on the smooth, tranquil water of that tree-shaded lake.
He had opened his arms and prepared to strike out, when a thought stayed him.

Saloo, who had waded to his side, also arrested him by laying a hand on his shoulder.
"You try swimmee, cappen, no good without weapon; we both go togedder-- muss take gun, sumpitan, kliss, else no chance killee mias." It was the thought that had occurred to Captain Redwood himself.
"Yes, you are right, Saloo.

I must take my rifle, but how am I to keep it dry ?--there's not time to make a raft." "No raff need, cappen; givee me you gun--Saloo swim single-hand well as two; he cally the gun." Captain Redwood knew it to be true that Saloo, as he said, could swim with one hand as well as he himself with both.
He was a Malay, to whom swimming in the water is almost as natural as walking upon the land.

His old pilot could scarcely have been drowned if he had been flung into the sea twenty miles from shore.
He at once yielded to Saloo's counsel; and both hastily returned to the edge of the lagoon to make preparations.
These did not occupy long.