However, I had mastered that tide many times before and, except that the delay might make me late for dinner, the prospect did not trouble me.

I swung into the channel and set the skiff's bow against the current.

Then from the beach I had just left I heard a faint hail.

Turning my head, I saw Ben Small waving his arms.

He was shouting something, too, but I was too far away to catch the words.
The lightkeeper continued to shout and wave.