We can get on very nicely as we are, and if you were to turn round, do you know?
I think it would be awkward.' Herrick slowly rose to his feet; his heart throbbed hard, a hideous excitement shook him, but he was master of himself.

Slowly he turned, and faced Attwater and the muzzle of a pointed rifle.

'Why could I not do that last night ?' he thought.
'Well, why don't you fire ?' he said aloud, with a voice that trembled.
Attwater slowly put his gun under his arm, then his hands in his pockets.
'What brings you here ?' he repeated.
'I don't know,' said Herrick; and then, with a cry: 'Can you do anything with me ?' 'Are you armed ?' said Attwater.

'I ask for the form's sake.' 'Armed?
No!' said Herrick.

'O yes, I am, too!' And he flung upon the beach a dripping pistol.
'You are wet,' said Attwater.
'Yes, I am wet,' said Herrick.