For three days the lighter came alongside but no chance presented
itself to Paul and his companions to get ashore. Seeing that the cargo
was about completed and that it would only take a few more lighters to
fill her, Paul determined to leave that night. A large plank that acted
as fender was stretched along the side. This he concluded to use for the
purpose of getting his companions and bags ashore. He advised them
to have everything stowed away in as small a space as possible and to
have as large a supply of sea-biscuit and salt meat as they could
secure. It was Paul's anchor watch that night, from one to two. When he
came on deck he found it a clear, brilliant star-light night and the sea
as smooth as a cup of milk. After walking around for about a quarter of
an hour he stepped softly in the direction of the after cabin and
listened intently. He was satisfied that all aft were sound asleep.
Coming forward to the forecastle he found the two sailors all ready to
join him. Their clothing and provisions were firmly lashed up in pieces
of tarpaulin. The three silently and cautiously crept to the side; a
sharp knife severed the rope that held up one end of the fender and the
other was lowered quietly until the plank was afloat on the surface.
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