He ran awkwardly, but he ran well.

He was but two paces behind when I tumbled into the boat, and as I shoved off with an oar his teeth crunched down upon the blade.

The stout wood was crushed like an egg-shell.

Maud and I were astounded.

A moment later he had dived under the boat, seized the keel in his mouth, and was shaking the boat violently.
"My!" said Maud.