‘No, I can’t, Phroso,’ said I, and I believe I smiled. Did the dear girl think I should choose that moment for paddling?
‘They’re gaining,’ she cried. ‘Oh, they’re gaining! On, my lord, on!’
‘How many are rowing?’
‘Three, my lord, each with two oars.’
‘Oh, the deuce! It’s no good, Phroso.’
‘No good, my lord? But if they catch us?’
‘I wish I could answer you. How near now?’
‘Half as near as they were before.’
‘Look round the sea. Are there any boats anywhere? Look all round.’