He rowed towards the land.

And Gerald sat mute, like a dumb beast, panting, his teeth chattering, his arms inert, his head like a seal's head.
They came to the landing-stage.

Wet and naked-looking, Gerald climbed up the few steps.

There stood his father, in the night.
'Father!' he said.
'Yes my boy?
Go home and get those things off.' 'We shan't save them, father,' said Gerald.
'There's hope yet, my boy.' 'I'm afraid not.

There's no knowing where they are.