He grinned.
“Not she. Paula is a very clever woman—she knows her own limitations,” he replied. “Hello! here comes somebody.”
It proved to be Major O’Dell, the man who had looked after Larry on shipboard. He glared at them and climbed aboard the raft.
“Larry, ye fool, what do ye mean by takin’ such a swim as this on yer first day?” he demanded, hotly.
“I came to rescue this young mermaid,” he answered.
“It’s damfoolishness—that’s what it is. I beg yer pardon, Miss—Miss——”
“Bryce” from Larry.
“This man is here convalescing, and it is folly for him to over-exert himself in any such manner,” he scolded her.
“I didn’t invite him to come,” said she. “He forced his society on me. Now that you’re here to tow him in, I’ll leave him to you,” she added; and with that she dived off.