He turned to Andree.
"There's danger, but perhaps we can do it.

Will you go ?" She flushed.
"Have I ever been a coward, Gaston?
Tell me what to do." "Keep the helm firm, and act instantly on my orders." Instead of coming round into the channel, he kept straight on past the lighthouse towards the yacht, until he was something to seaward of her.
Then, luffing quickly, he dropped sail, let go the anchor, and unshipped the mast, while Andree got the oars into the rowlocks.

It was his idea to dip under the yacht's stern, but he found himself drifting alongside, and in danger of dashing broadside on her.

He got an oar and backed with all his strength towards the stern, the anchor holding well.

Then he called to those on board to be ready to jump.