Seth seized it in time to prevent collision with his knees.

The thole pins were in place, and the oars laid lengthwise on its thwarts.

As his hands touched the gunwale a new idea came to him.
He had intended walking the rest of the way to Eastboro, routing out the liveryman and hiring a horse and buggy with which to reach the Lights.
Now he believed chance had offered him an easier and more direct method of travel.

He could row up the Harbor and Slough, land close to where the Daisy M.lay, and walk the rest of the way in a very short time.

He climbed into the dory, pulled up the anchor, and seated himself at the oars.
The bottom of the boat was two inches deep with rain water, and the thwart was dripping and cold.