He heard the splash of oars, and thumping rowlocks.
Here they came—straight towards him!
Then with a start he recollected: the privateer's boat would be pursuing; this was coming to meet him.
Had he been swimming round and round like a drowning dog?
No. Behind him he could hear shouts and orders on the privateer as the crew jumped into the boat.
This must be some other craft.
It was coming from the land, and a landsman was rowing it. He could tell by the uneven splash of the oars, the slish along the surface as a crab was caught, and the muffled curse as the man recovered himself.
Could it be the Parson come to his assistance?
The question answered itself.
The bows of a boat thrust on him through the mist. He saw a man's back, giving to his stroke.