Then Childers scrambled up on to their shoulders, and from these stepped onto the ledge.
"I am all right," he said; "I wish to Heaven that you were too." "We shall do," Frank said.

"Mind you hold tight, Childers! You had better turn round with your face to the cliff, so as to be able to grip hold and steady yourself in case the waves come up high.

The tide will turn in three quarters of an hour at the outside.

Now, then, Ruthven, let's make a fight for it, old man." "What are you going to do, Frank ?" "We will wade along here as far as we can towards the corner, and than we must swim for it." "Don't you think it's possible to stay here," Ruthven said, "if the tide will turn so soon ?" "Quite impossible!" Frank said.

"I have been nearly taken off my feet twice already, and the water will rise a yard yet, at least.