“That’s the one. Get out on it, wait a few moments, and then take a long, deep breath and dive.”
Aleck pondered for a few moments.
“Yes,” he said, “I think you’re right. I should have had to swim so far first if I started from here.”
“To be sure you would. The less diving you have the better.”
“I see,” said Aleck. “Now, then, let the rope run out easily through your fingers till I give it a sharp jerk. That means pull me back as fast as you can.”
“Yes, because you can go no further.”
“If I pull twice it means I am safe through, and then—”
“I shall tie my end of the rope round my chest and come too. You need not pull, only just draw in the line, unless it stops, because that would mean I had got into difficulties. Do we both understand? I do.”
“So do I,” said Aleck, “so let’s get it over. If I wait much longer I shall be afraid to go.”
“Don’t believe you,” said the middy, bluntly. “Now, then—ready?”