The boats had been swept on by wind and wave, and, in the darkness, it was impossible to see so small an object as the boy's head in the water.
The sailors in the two boats rowed about, frantically urged on by Captain Spark.
"His mother will never forgive me!" he whispered to himself.

"I'd rather have lost a dozen ships than have Bob drown!" But, though they rowed about the spot where he had disappeared, neither the captain nor Mr.Carr nor any of the sailors could find a trace of the boy.
"We'll stand by until morning," decided the commander, and they began their weary vigil.
Meanwhile Bob was swimming right away from the boats, for he could not get the right direction in the darkness.

He managed to fasten the life-preserver to him, and with the buoyancy of the cork to aid him he swam easily, though he did not make very fast progress.
After the first shock of terror was over Bob became calm.

He had a momentary fear of sharks, but he resolved not to think about these monsters or the sea, as it sent a cold chill over him and he found he could not swim so well.
"I'll just paddle on until morning," he decided, "and by that time maybe the men in the boats will pick me up." So, through the remainder of the night, he swam leisurely.

In spite of the storm it was very warm and the water felt pleasant.
If he had only had an idea of where he was, Bob would not have minded his position so very much.
It was just getting light when, happening to let his legs down for an instant to rest them, he felt his feet touch something.