Why?
Because it wishes to tantalize our enemies, to arouse in their minds a belief that they can overtake it.

It behaves as if we were in it, and as if we were becoming exhausted by our great exertions with the paddles.

Its conduct is just like that of a man who flees for his life.

I know, although I cannot see their eyes, that the pursuing warriors think they have us now.

They believe that our weakness will grow heavier and heavier upon us until it overpowers us.