When it died in foam and spray he lifted the man wholly and ran until he fell exhausted on the sand.

When another wave roared inland it did not reach him, and no others came near.

As if knowing they were baffled, they gave up a useless pursuit.
Robert lay a full half hour, supine, completely relaxed, only half conscious.

Yet he was devoutly thankful.

The precious gift of life had been saved, the life that was so young, so strong and so buoyant in him.
The sea, immense, immeasurable and savage might leap for him, but it could no longer reach him.