I reluctantly complied, I perceived that the boat contained but one oar, and that was a small one.

He seemed startled and thrown into great perplexity by this discovery.

"It will be impossible," said he, in a tone of panic and vexation, "to procure another at this hour: what is to be done ?" This impediment was by no means insuperable.

I had sinewy arms, and knew well how to use an oar for the double purpose of oar and rudder.

I took my station at the stern, and quickly extricated the boat from its neighbours and from the wharves.