He was swimming toward them. "I wonder if you can help me recover my boat."
"Monsieur, swim in to the shore and I will bring the canoe there." She was afraid to risk taking him in hers. "Just down below to escape the tree."
"Oh, thank you. Yes, that will be best."
His strokes were fine and strong even if he was encumbered by his clothing. Jeanne propelled her canoe along and drove the other in to shore, then caught it with a rope. He emerged from his bath and shook himself.
"You have been very kind. I should have heeded your warning or asked you what it meant. And now—I have lost my paddle."
"I have an extra one, Monsieur."
"You are a godsend certainly. Lend it to me."
He waded out, rescued his canoe and leaped adroitly into it. She was interested in the ease and grace.
"That tree is a dangerous thing," he exclaimed.
"They will remove it, Monsieur. It must have recently fallen in. The tide has washed the ground away."