All the way home I kept my gaze fixed on the bottom boards of the skiff.
I made the landing just in time.

In fact, the squall struck before I was abreast the Colton place.

The channel beyond the flat, which we had so lately left, was whipped to whitecaps in a moment and miniature breakers were beating against the mud bank where the dingy had grounded.
Under the high bluff it was calm enough.

The tide was too low to make use of the little wharf, so I beached the skiff and drew the towed boat in by the line.

I offered to assist Miss Colton ashore, but she, apparently, did not see my proffered hand.