In an instant the truth became apparent, for I saw the dark shadow of a boat rapidly rowed, bearing full upon us.

The shot had been fired as a signal that we had been sighted, and were pursued.

Other shots rang out, mingled with the wild exultant shouts of the guards as they bore down full upon us, and then I knew that, notwithstanding our escape, we were now lost.

They were too close upon us to admit of eluding them.

The peril we had dreaded had fallen.