"There, men, ye are safe, thanks to stout hearts and arms and good ashen blades!" exclaimed Alderton drawing his first full breath since seizing the steering oar.
"Thanks to God Almighty who still giveth His servants the victory," amended Carver, who had toiled with the sturdiest.
"And now, where are we and what is to do next?" demanded Standish clenching his blistered hands.
"We are between two shores, maybe islands both, maybe the lee shore is the main," replied Coppin peering through the darkness. "And more I know not."
"And I for one am minded to get ashore and see if there be stuff for a fire and shelter, whatever name the place may hold," cried Hopkins dashing the drops of salt water from his face and beard.
"And I," added Standish heartily. "What say you, Master Carver? Shall we land and make some sort of randevous upon the shore?"
"The place may be full of salvages, who, drawn by the light of a fire, can come upon us unaware," replied Carver hesitatingly.
"As well risk another encounter as to perish here of cold and exhaustion," suggested Winslow.
"Safety most often lies on the side of courage," declared Standish sententiously.
"And Master Tilley will die if naught be done for him," pleaded Howland, and to this consideration Carver at once yielded his careful scruples.