"This is all foolishness, and losing us time.

I 'm not sorry he is out of the way; it was either his life or ours.

He was a big, lawless brute, a murderer at heart, if he was n't in deed.

Now there is all the more reason for us to hurry.

Have you got the knife ?" "Yes." "Then get hold of that stern rope; I am going to lower away." She obeyed me, but it was mechanical, her eyes still fixed upon the water.
"Be quick now," I said sternly, and my hand pressed her shoulder.
"Your life depends on your promptness." I loosened the ropes, permitting them to run slowly through the blocks.
There was no creaking, and I rejoiced at the ease with which I sustained the weight, as the boat descended.