We shall land on that island, and we shall be snug and sheltered before the day is done." I spoke stoutly, but I did not believe a word.

Nor was I prompted to lie through fear.

I felt no fear, though I was sure of death in that boiling surge amongst the rocks which was rapidly growing nearer.

It was impossible to hoist sail and claw off that shore.

The wind would instantly capsize the boat; the seas would swamp it the moment it fell into the trough; and, besides, the sail, lashed to the spare oars, dragged in the sea ahead of us.
As I say, I was not afraid to meet my own death, there, a few hundred yards to leeward; but I was appalled at the thought that Maud must die.
My cursed imagination saw her beaten and mangled against the rocks, and it was too terrible.