I backed water and brought the skiff alongside the dingy, the rail of which I seized and held.
"Keep off!" ordered Victor, still fumbling with the rope.

"We don't want your help." I wasted no breath on him.

I addressed my remarks to the girl.
"Miss Colton," I said, "will you listen to me, please.

You can't anchor here because your anchor will not hold.

And you can't cross that flat at this stage of the tide.