He watched his opportunity, and singing out, “I’ll make for the bow,” he struck forward.
Grimshaw’s arms were extended towards him, and in another instant he found himself grasped by those friendly hands, and hauled up into the boat.
“Why, the lad’s as slippery as an eel!” cried old Grim. “Are you hurt, Bill?”
“No, thank you,” answered Bill. “I’m hearty and strong, as if I had only been taking a swim for pleasure.”
“We must put you aft, though, and a jacket over you,” said old Grim.
Fortunately, one of the men had one on. It was off in a moment, and wrapped round Bill, who was passed aft into the stern-sheets.
“Thank Heaven you are saved, boy. The captain will be glad to hear it,” said Mr Collinson, as he was putting the boat’s head round.
And now once more she made for the ship. Bill was quickly hauled up the side.
“Gripe him hard!” sung out old Grim, “or he will slip through your fists, lads; he’s got such a lot of seaweed round him.”
“Why, how is this?” exclaimed the captain, as he saw Bill’s condition.