I cannot remember when I could not do so, and any one of us would have thought it shame not to be at home in the water, whether rough or calm.

Nor had he warned me that he could not do so; and therein I hold was the deed of a brave man.

He would not hold me back in any way, but would give me my chance, and take his own.

He had to reach the bench, too, which was risky, and that, no doubt, had delayed him.

I swam up to him, and he laughed and spluttered.
"Is all going well?
Where is the boat ?" he gasped.
"Very well," I said.