He began divesting himself of his blouse and trousers as he spoke.
"What do you mean to do, sir?" asked the men, wonderingly.
"Swim for it," replied Clif. "That's the only way."
"But, sir——"
"Don't delay me," said Clif. "Every moment is precious now."
With this he quietly slid into the water and with quick, powerful strokes shot through the waves toward the boat.
Clif was in his element.
In the whole ship's crew none excelled him in swimming and diving, and it was with a feeling of confidence that he forced his way through the water.
He made not a sound as he went along—for it was to avoid alarming the Spaniards that he had hit upon this plan.
The boat was not far from shore and he reached it in a few moments. He was overjoyed to recognize that it was, as he expected, one of the boats from the flagship.