`` Wait here for me . '' In a minute the shore was out of sight , and Natty found himself alone in the black fog , with no guide but the cries for help , which already were becoming fainter . They seemed to come from the direction of Little Bear , and thither Natty rowed . It was a tough pull , and the water was rough enough for the little dory . But Natty had been at home with the oars from babyhood , and his long training and tough sinews stood him in good stead now . Steadily and intrepidly he rowed along . The water grew rougher as he passed out from the shelter of Blue Point into the channel between the latter and Little Bear . The cries were becoming very faint . What if he should be too late ? He bent to the oars with all his energy . Presently , by the smoother water , he knew he must be in the lea of Little Bear . The cries sounded nearer . He must already have rowed nearly a mile . The next minute he shot around a small headland and right before him , dimly visible in the faint light cast by the lantern through the fog , was an upturned boat with two men clinging to it , one on each side , evidently almost exhausted . Natty rowed cautiously up to the one nearest him , knowing that he must be wary lest the grip of the drowning man overturn his own light skiff . `` Let go when I say , '' he shouted , `` and do n't -- grab -- anything , do you hear ? Do n't -- grab . Now , let go . '' The next minute the man lay in the dory , dragged over the stern by Netty 's grip on his collar . `` Lie still , '' ordered Natty , clutching the oars .
To row around the overturned boat , amid the swirl of water about her , was a task that taxed XXXXX 's skill and strength to the utmost .
Lie Natty Netty dory energy lea minute oars right sinews