THE COMING OF DAWN West leaned far out, and stared off at the faint blotch made by the raft against the water surface.

He could perceive little except a bare, shapeless outline.
"Did you make it?
Are you all right ?" "Yes, I'm safe enough; but wet just the same; the thing bobbed under." "It will hold us up though, don't you think ?" "Why, of course, it will float; it is supposed to support four people.

It rides dry enough now.

But--but, Captain West, I want you to come." "I'm coming; I'll throw my shoes and coat over there to you first.

To be rid of them will make swimming easier.