On putting my hand into the water on my return, to my surprise I found it perfectly fresh, although so close to the sea.  Here any number of outlaws might take refuge, with small chance of being discovered, or defend themselves against any force sent in pursuit, provided they had food to hold out until their enemies had grown weary of looking for them.  Charon--unlike his namesake--had no objection to ferry us back across the Styx; and having made our way into the upper air, we regained the boat.