When all was ready the rising tide floated it for him; he secured it to his longest rope, and gave it a vigorous push off into the lagoon.

Then he slung four rifles across his shoulders, asked Iris to carry the remaining two in like manner, and began to manoeuvre the raft landwards.
"Whilst you land the goods I will prepare dinner," announced the girl.
"Please be careful not to slip again on the rocks," he said.
"Indeed I will.

My ankle gives me a reminder at each step." "I was more concerned about the rifles.

If you fell you might damage them, and the incoming tide will so hopelessly rust those I leave behind that they will be useless." She laughed.

This assumption at brutality no longer deceived her.
"I will preserve them at any cost, though with six in our possession there is a margin for accidents.