Finally the shore was reached. Wading through the shallow water, he dragged Edith quickly to the dry beach.
"Safe!" he exclaimed. Then with a low cry of pain he staggered forward.
Edith caught him by the arm. With a strength born of the hour, she prevented him from falling to the ground. Quickly she sat beside him and lifted his head upon her lap.
"George, you are hurt," she cried fearfully.
"Yes, please unloosen my vest. The boat struck me here," he said, touching his chest to denote the spot.
Carefully she uncovered the wound. Blood covered shirt and vest.
"O! George! George!" she sobbed piteously.
George struggled to a sitting position.
"Edith, don't waste time with me. It is my finish. Go around to the point where you can be seen. They will surely come for us some time. Go! It is almost dark!"
She leaned over him, until her fair hair touched his own.