“Oh!” she exclaimed, “you CAN swim!”
He did not thank her for the compliment. There was no time for that, even if he had felt like it.
“You shouldn't be here,” he said sharply.
She looked at him.
“Why, what do you mean?” she demanded.
“It isn't safe. A little farther, and the tide would carry you out to sea. Come back, back up to the cove at once.”
He expected her to ask more questions, but she did not. Instead she turned and struck out in silence. Against the tide, even there, the pull was tremendous.
“Shall I help you?” he asked.
“No, I can make it.”
And she did. It was his turn to be surprised into admiration.