The little coracle was very safe for a person of my size, and got along well, as I paddled first one side and then the other with the little oar. By good fortune the tide took me towards the Hispaniola and I began to sce her shape grow clearer as I came near. At last I was nearenough to see her anchor line, and I held on to it. It was a very thick strong rope:
I made up my mind quickly, took out my knife and cut.one afte.t• another of the strands ofthe rope, till only two were left. Then I stayed quiet, waiting for the breeze I felt the rope go loose as the wind blew the ship towards me. With a st-ong effort i cut the last strands of the rope. The Hispaniola was free.
