Milenko had snatched the rope from the hands of the sailor who had thrown it. His first impulse was to cut the rope and leave his friend's murderer to the mercy of the waves.
Vranic, who had disappeared for an instant within the abyss of the waters, was seen again, struggling in the midst of the whirling foam. He looked up, and saw one of the pobratim holding the rope. Milenko remained for a moment undecided as to what he was to do.
"Let me help you to pull up," said the boatswain.
The young captain almost mechanically heaved up the rope, and was astonished to find it so light. The rope came home; evidently it had got undone, for Vranic was presently seen battling against the huge billows, trying to regain the sinking ship.
"What has happened?"
"Did the rope get loose?"
"Why did he not hold on?"
"Why does he not try to catch it?"
"Look, he is swimming back towards the wreck."
"He must have cut the rope."