"No, thank the Lord."

"Well, try again."

Bill gave another kick and disappeared. Again Antony coaxed the
boat back into position, and again Bill popped up, this time in
front of him.

"I feel that if I threw you a sardine," said Antony, with a
smile, "you'd catch it in your mouth quite prettily."

"It's awfully easy to be funny from where you are. How much
longer have I got to go on doing this?"

Antony looked at his watch.

"About three hours. We must get back before daylight. But be
quicker if you can, because it's rather cold for me sitting
here."

Bill flicked a handful of water at him and disappeared again. He
was under for almost a minute this time, and there was a grin on
his face when it was visible again.

"I've got it, but it's devilish hard to get up. I'm not sure
that it isn't too heavy for me."

"That's all right," said Antony. He brought out a ball of thick
string from his pocket. "Get this through the handle if you can,