I now was convinced that thus far I was safely ahead.

The night wind was light, and baffling, not greatly affecting my own progress, but of a nature to retard considerably the sail-boat, and compel a series of wide tacks, so as to enable those on board to round the point.

All this distance I could avoid by beaching my dory, and striking out on foot directly across the narrow neck of land.

The _Namur_, unless her position had been changed since darkness set in, was not so far out from shore as to make swimming to her a dangerous feat; and I could approach and board her with far less chance of discovery in that manner, than by the use of a boat.

The watch on deck would undoubtedly be a vigilant one, yet no eye could detect through that darkness--unless by sheer accident--a submerged swimmer, cautiously advancing with silent strokes.