“Ho, what is this?” he asked. Looking toward the land, he noticed that while he had been watching the waves, the tide had turned, and covered the low, sandy flats with a floor of crystal.
“Well, it is not so very deep, and I can wade ashore,” said Walter. He was untying his shoes, when he heard the noise of oars. As he chanced to look up to see who might be coming, the boatman turned, and resting on his oars, faced Walter. A smile as from an old acquaintance overspread his features, and he called out, “Hold on there!”
A few more strokes, and the boat was on the sand at Walter’s feet.
“One good turn deserves another,” cried the boatman. “Jump in!”
“Oh, that you?” cried Walter. “Well, I will.” And into the boat he jumped.
This opportune arrival was the young man he had met in Baggs’ store that afternoon. He was dressed now for work, and wore a blue blouse. It could not hide, though, his broad shoulders, and when he rowed, one could but admire the easy, strong sweep of the arms.
“I was busy watching the waves,” explained Walter, “and I did not notice that the tide had turned.”
“You would have crossed without much difficulty to the shore, though in three hours from this time you might have done some swimming.”
“I am good for that.”
“Dare say. You would have got along, though they do tell some boogerish stories about those rocks. Did you notice the ‘Chair’? It is on the easterly side of what we call the ‘Center Rock.’”