I looked at him and then at her. It had to be done, and my mind was made up to do it. I waded in until the water was almost to my knees, and I was abreast the stern of the stranded boat.
“Miss Colton,” I said, “I am going to carry you to my skiff. Are you ready?”
“You—Why!—” she breathed.
I stooped, lifted her in my arms, and ploughed through the weeds and water. The mud was soft and my feet sank into it. She struggled.
“You must keep still,” I said, sharply, “or I shall drop you.”
She gasped, but she stopped struggling. From behind me I heard a roar of rage from Victor.
I carried her to the anchored skiff and, plunging in still deeper, seated her on the stern thwart.
“Sit there, please, and don't move,” I said. “I shall be back as soon as I've got your boat afloat.”
I waded back to the dingy. Victor was frantic, but he did not disturb me. The worst of my unpleasant job was over.
“Now sit down,” I ordered. “Do you hear me? Sit down and sit still.”