She
was working against the current to keep herself up, but no longer
striving to escape it. He saw with relief that she had not lost her
head.
He had been prepared to approach her with caution, but she sent him a
sudden, brave smile that reassured him.
"Be quick!" she gasped. "I'm nearly done."
The current caught him, but with a powerful stroke or two he righted his
course and reached her. Her hand closed upon his shoulder.
"I'm all right now," she panted, and despite the distress of her
breathing, he caught the note of confidence in her voice.
"We've got to get out of it," he made grim answer. "Get your hand in my
belt; that'll help you best. Then, when you're ready, strike out with
the other and make for the open sea! We shall get out of this infernal
current that way."
She obeyed him implicitly, asking no question. Side by side they drew
out of the current, the man pulling strongly, his companion seconding
his efforts with a fitfulness that testified to her failing powers. They
reached calmer water at length, and then curtly he ordered her to turn
on her back and rest.
Again without a word she obeyed him, and he floated beside her,
supporting her.
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