made it dangerous and difficult even for a powerful swimmer to attain the land. If a small craft is in danger on a surf-beaten coast, this is often the only method of safely getting her crew on shore, and there is little danger for the others if one man succeeds in getting to land with the end of the stern rope. But do not overload yourself when making such an attempt. If there is serious danger, of course nothing must be carried. I had an unpleasant experience during my first visit to Trinidada, which is described in The Cruise of the Falcon. I must have been somewhat imprudent in those days, for though the sea was high I put off from the shore in heavy clothes and sea-boots, loaded too with rifle, hatchet, and other articles. I leapt into the sea with a retreating wave, and proceeded to haul myself out to the boat with the line. To quote from the book: 'I was out of my depth, and I found that my impedimenta were so heavy that it was quite impossible for me to keep my head above water, and the rope was so slack that my weight at once dragged it under. I shall never forget that journey, and do not wish ever to repeat it. I was travelling under water. It was a race for life. I hauled myself up along the line as fast as my hands would move, with the energy of a drowning man. I felt as if I must have gone over a mile, and yet no boat; and indeed the distance was a very long one for a journey of this description. So long was I under water that the
