“How—ow!” yelled Bob again, from where he lay on his back in the bottom of the boat, his legs still over the seat.
Bump!
There was another shock, and Dexter started up, saw that he had run into the boat ahead, and that one of the two sailors, who had been rowing, had taken hold of the bows.
He saw that at a glance, but he also saw something else which seemed to freeze the blood in his breast.
For there, seated in the stern of that large boat into which he had run, were the Doctor, Sir James Danby, old Dan’l, and Peter.
Chapter Thirty Nine.
Brought to Book.
Dexter did not pause a moment. It did not occur to him that he was utterly exhausted, and could hardly move his arms. All he realised was the fact that on the one side was the man whom he had half-killed with the boat-hook, just about to stretch out his hand to seize him, on the other, those whom he dreaded far more, and with one quick movement he stepped on to the thwart of the gig, joined his hands, dived in, and disappeared from sight, in the muddy water.