“The girls screamed in the water, catching at the bottom of the upturned boat. They could swim enough just to keep their heads above water. Their shrieks of terror were appalling.
“You flung off your coat and dashed down the beach in your flannels.
“‘Keep madame out of the sea, darling,’ you shouted out to me, as I ran behind you. ‘I will bring the girls in, one at a time.’
“I put my arms round the frantic mother, and we stood together watching you.
“Even in such a moment, my heart thrilled at sight of your magnificent swimming, as you forged through the waves at almost incredible speed. It did not occur to me to be afraid. Often, when I had misjudged my strength or been caught by the current, you had brought me safely to shore, swimming on your back with one arm around me, while I lay on your chest in perfect security, hearing your voice close to my ear, saying: ‘All right, my darling! We can’t sink. Breathe, and rest, and trust yourself to me.’ These slim French girls would be nothing, compared with my height and weight.
“‘He will save them easily, madame,’ I said. ‘Keep calm. He will bring them in, one at a time.’
“The frantic screams of the girls became more ear-piercing. I had never heard a sound so appalling.
“‘Hold on!’ you shouted. ‘Hold on! I am coming! Hold on!’
“Just before you reached them, one lost her grip of the boat; it slipped away from her clinging fingers, and, turning, she swam and struggled toward you. In an instant you had her by the arm, holding her up.
“I remember wondering why she did not cease screaming. You were evidently reasoning with her and trying to draw her on to your chest.