Then he was seized by the shoulder and driven towards the bank.
The men had stopped shouting and ran into the water at the island's lower end.

Festing drifted towards them, but it looked as if he would be carried past.

The drag of the rope kept him back, and his strength was going, but he braced himself for an effort and felt a helping push.

Then somebody seized his hand, he was pulled forward, and felt bottom as he dropped his feet.

In another few moments he staggered up the bank and gave the nearest man the end of the rope.
"Stick to that," he gasped, and turned to see who had helped him.
"Bob!" he exclaimed.
Charnock dashed the water from his hair and face.