Watch out now--good! Now draw in the line; we may need it.

Got it all right?
Very well; here goes." He made the plunge, coming up to the surface close beside the raft, the edge of which he quickly grasped with his hands.

The girl remained motionless, barely perceptible through the gloom, but with anxious eyes marking his every movement.

The frail support beneath her rose and fell on the swell of the waters, occasionally dipping beneath the surface.
Beyond, a grim, black, threatening shadow, wallowed the wreck.

West swam steadily, urging the unwieldy raft away from the menacing side of the vessel, driven by the necessity of escaping the inevitable suction when she went down.