Others were hunting for the leak.
But the mischief was as subtle as it was mortal--as though a plank had started from end to end.

Within and without the waters rose equally--then lay an instant level with our gunwales--then swamped us, oh! so slowly, that I thought we were never going to sink.

It was like getting inch by inch into your tub; I can feel it now, creeping, crawling up my back.

"It's coming! O Christ!" muttered one as it came; to me it was a downright relief to be carried under at last.
But then, thank God, I have always been a strong swimmer.

The water was warm and buoyant, and I came up like a cork, as I knew I should.