Besides, the rope, having flown out of his hands, was in the water again and the two boats were drifting apart.
"What did you do that for ?" demanded the fallen one, scrambling to his knees.

I heard a sound from the dingy's stern as if the young lady was trying to stifle her merriment.

Victor, doubtless, heard it, too.
"Where are you going ?" he sputtered, angrily.

"Give me that rope." I gave it to him, literally gave it, for I pulled alongside and put the end in his hands.
"Tie it in the bow of your boat," I said.

He did so.