We shouted to the people, who, strange to say, did not hear us; nor had they seen us come over the rock, for they had all been looking seaward. Two or three of the men at length appeared on the side nearest us; but when we called on them to swim on shore, they shook their heads, evidently not liking to make the attempt.  The tide was now flowing fast, and their position was every instant becoming more perilous.  It, however, made the passage less dangerous, as even in a few minutes the water became smoother than it had hitherto been.