It sank to my waist, and Dalfin was alongside me, spluttering.

Then Bertric helped Gerda over the gunwale, and I took her in my arms, holding her as high as I could, and turning at once shoreward.

I tried to hurry, but I could not go fast, for the water sucked me back, while Dalfin waded close behind me.

Then I heard Bertric shout, and I knew what was coming.

The knee-deep water gathered again as the next roller stayed its ebb, swirled and deepened round me, and then with a sudden rush and thunder the wave came in, broke, and for a moment I was buried in the head of it, and driven forward by its weight.