"It's nothing, darling," I said reassuringly. "That's only a little blood from Manning's nose. He's got plenty left to go on with."
With something between a laugh and another sob she let her head sink forward against my shoulder. "Don't think me a coward. I—I'm not one really. It was just having to wait here and——"
"A coward!" I interrupted. "Why, I think you're the bravest girl that ever stepped this earth."
I put my arms round her, and for one dear moment she lay there passive and still, like a tired, contented child.
Then, suddenly releasing herself, she gazed round in a kind of startled panic.
"But we mustn't stay here," she exclaimed hurriedly. "We must go at once."
"I suppose you're right," I admitted with some reluctance. "What's happened to that ruffian Craill?"
"He went off in the other boat just after I arrived. He might come back at any moment."
"Well, I want to see him," I said; "but I don't think I'll wait now. It's a pity to cram all one's pleasures into one afternoon."
She laid her hands pleadingly on my sleeve. "Do what I ask," she begged. "Promise me you will go straight back to the island as soon as you have taken me ashore?"