The mud was soft and my feet sank into it.

She struggled.
"You must keep still," I said, sharply, "or I shall drop you." She gasped, but she stopped struggling.

From behind me I heard a roar of rage from Victor.
I carried her to the anchored skiff and, plunging in still deeper, seated her on the stern thwart.
"Sit there, please, and don't move," I said.

"I shall be back as soon as I've got your boat afloat." I waded back to the dingy.

Victor was frantic, but he did not disturb me.