He had seen it from the hills yonder once or twice, when he was hunting, and the chase had led him to the shore.
I think that in his joy at seeing his own land again he was going to tell me some story of a hunt on those hills; but I left him and bade him help Bertric to arm while I took the helm.

The shore was not two miles from us at that time, and Bertric hastened, whistling a long whistle in answer to me, when I told him Dalfin's news.

Then Gerda came aft and stood by me.
"Is there danger ahead, Malcolm ?" she asked very quietly.
"We hope, little; but there is a great deal of risk.

We may be able to beach the ship safely, though she will be of no use thereafter." "And if not ?" "She must break up, and all we can hope for is that she will not be far from shore.

We shall have to take to the boat or swim." "I can swim well," she said.