I bent earnestly to the oars, and the speed of the craft was most encouraging, especially as my strength and energy seemed to increase with each stroke.

My mind brightened also quite perceptibly, as the violent exercise sent the blood coursing anew through my veins.

Before I realized the change I had become thoroughly convinced that the course I had chosen was the wisest one possible.
It was wild, and desperate, to be sure.

I was not blind to its danger, and yet nothing else offered any solution.

The only probable chance now for me to prove of direct service to the captive girl lay in being near her while she remained with these men.