THE OPEN BOAT Following the first impulse of this alarming discovery I pressed her back into the boat, and crouched low myself behind the protection of the flag locker.

The fellow might not have seen us.

How still it was; only the swish of water astern, and the continuous patter of rain.

The pounding of my heart was like that of a trip hammer, as I listened intently for any movement.

For a long moment of suspense there was none; then I heard his heavy step on the deck, as he came slowly forward around the bulge of the cabin.