The cave was narrow, but the entrance was a foot under water. Having reached it, she moved to the right, feeling with her toes for a jut of rock. She found one, and now had something to push against. Marvin’s left armpit was locked with her own. She reached over and grasped his nose with her thumb and finger, and down they went like two seals diving. Then, gathering all her forces, she sprang forward. The effort sent her far from all support, but carried her under the barrier. Now they were rising, and now she felt the rock against the nape of her neck. She had made it, if she could only hold it. She set her jaw and stiffened her neck and drew his head up into the air.
Now her right hand was free, and she caught the sweet gale. Inch by inch she drew her burden along till she reached her dory. She lifted herself in, still holding his collar by one hand. She braced herself, exerted every gram of her strength, and slid him into the long-suffering boat.
“Please pull my fish in. The line is caught around my leg, and I can feel him whenever he moves.”
She obeyed, and dropped the five-pounder beside him, where it flopped with unwonted intoxication of oxygen. Then she hauled in the other end of his line and finally his dripping pole.
“Tell me when to open my eyes.”
She stood up and put on her blouse and skirt and moccasins.
“Ready.”
He blinked at her as a dead warrior blinks at a Valkyrie.
“You saved my life. How much?”
“There’s no charge for saving lives. They are included with the board.”