"Here she is!" sang out the mate.
The bell rang out, "Stop her," and Venning went over, catching the rope above his head with his left hand, and taking a turn round with his right foot. There was a scraping sound against the side of the vessel.
"I've got hold," he shouted. "It's a tree—no, a boat." Then, "By
Jove!"
"What is it?" cried several together, excited by the startled exclamation.
"Lower the light!" The lantern sank over the side, but those above could not see well because of the bulge of the hull.
"Now lower me. I shall get in and make fast."
"Take care!" cried Mr. Hume.
"Look out for the sharks, sir," sang out a sailor. "There's one coming up."
"Lower away, please—quick!"
The men lowered. "That's right. I'm in the boat, or whatever it is.
Now let down the lantern."