One cannot see much of a man in the water." "Let me have one of the small boats--it can be launched from the far side of the ship--and I will row him ashore," I said.

"I can speak the Gaelic." Hakon considered.

"Well," he said, "it may save endless trouble, and I do not see why you should not go.

Phelim must stand up, and they will see him." Thoralf would have us bide on board, letting Phelim stand on the bows and hail the shore.

But that would have made trouble at once, for he would have been thought to be a captive.