Anxious as I was to carry out my plans rapidly I could not refrain from passing my hands over the boat, impressed by its lightness and sea-going qualities, and inspired by the thought it might eventually aid in our escape.

It hung ready for launching, the falls easily unhooked, and two pair of hands would be sufficient to lower it into the water.

There was a locker forward I was unable to reach, but two water kegs, filled, were strapped under the stern sheets, leading me to believe the craft was fully equipped for immediate service.

My mind filled with a daring hope by this discovery, I fastened the note to the end of the cord, weighted it with a bunch of keys, and crept back to where I had marked the rail.

Inch by inch I payed out the line, leaning well over.