The other skiff lay closer inshore, partially aground.
Bill was trying to shove it off, and was calling on the Cockney to lend a hand; but that gentleman had lost his head completely, and came floundering through the water hard after Joe.

No sooner had Joe climbed in over the stern than he followed him.

This extra weight on the stern of the heavily loaded craft nearly swamped them.

As it was, a dangerous quantity of water was shipped.

In the meantime the men on the bank had reloaded their pistols and opened fire again, this time with better aim.