He knew the direction of the captain's cabin, and he must pay his respects.
Placing his thumb to his nose, he extended his fingers and muttered:
"That's for you, cap'n."
One of the seamen was approaching, and Bob must escape.
He clambered over the bulwarks and reached for the chains, but missed them.
He fell into the water with a loud splash.
"Man overboard!"
The cry was taken up by the deck watch.
Lanterns were lowered over the side, and an object could be seen floating on the water a few yards away.