p. I
therefore proceeded to unlash one and roll it toward the still open
gangway; and then came the question of provisions. There was a large
wash-deck tub on the forecastle which I knew to be water-tight, and it
struck me that this might be utilised to float the dry provisions until
the dinghy could pick them up; so--first making sure of the position of
the boat--I dived below and routed out of Dominguez' bunk a large canvas
ditty-bag that I had often seen there, and, emptying out the clothing
which it contained, proceeded to fill it with bread and such other
provisions as I could most readily lay hands on. This, when full, I
tied securely at the neck and took on deck, placing it in the wash-deck
tub after I had dragged the latter conveniently close to the gangway.
Then, going below again, I brought up three plates, some knives and
forks, three tin pannikins, and a few other oddments that I knew would
be useful, and placed them in the wash-deck tub with the provisions.
Then, when I thought that all was ready, the boat's mast and sail caught
my eye as it lay upon the hatchway,--having been flung there by Luis
when he cleared out the boat,--and this I determined they should also
have, as, while quite resolved to abandon them, I was most anxious that
they should be afforded every opportunity to reach the shore alive and
well. Then, everything being ready, I once more ran aft to see
whereabout the boat now was.

She was a long way astern--quite two miles--and, as I looked, it
appeared as though Dominguez had already given up the pursuit, for the
boat did not seem to be moving. Her occupants were, however, all on
their feet, staring hard in my direction and waving their arms
frantically. I therefore put the helm up, and, jibing round, proceeded
to run down toward them. This was rather a risky thing to do, but I
thought that with care I could accomplish what I wanted, and still evade
recapture. When they saw me returning for them--as they doubtless
thought--they started pulling again for a minute or two, then once more
lay upon their oars, watching. On my part I also was careful to keep a
keen watch upon their movements, my intention being to pass within
hailing distance of them, if possible, without giving them a chance to
dash alongside. That this was their intention I soon became aware, for
as the felucca swept down toward them I could see that their oars were
in the water and that they were quietly manoeuvring