"Go back--" But here, looking over towards the swimmer, I saw him throw up both arms, and heard a shout which set every vein in me tingling.
I waited not for his Don-ship, or anyone beside; but flung myself headlong over the tall side into the sea, and struck out with all my might for the place.
A Spanish sentinel on deck, seeing my sudden plunge, and smelling treachery and desertion in it, let fly at me with his musket, grazing my elbow, and sending me ducking a dozen yards or more, before I durst show head again above water.

But I had somewhat better to think of than Spanish bullets.

For a few minutes I could see nothing of the swimmer, and was beginning to fear I was too late after all, when suddenly a wave brought him close beside me.
Sure enough, it was Ludar, well-nigh spent, keeping himself up with short, breathless strokes, but unable to do more.

He was alive enough to know me, and to lay his hand on my arm for support.

Hard-pressed as he was, he held betwixt his teeth a paper, which I guessed to be the Duke's despatch, and which, to give him better use for his mouth, I took from him and stuck in my own collar.