It was well for us that they were long and even, with little way in the heads of them.

The sail, too, steadied the boat, and the hermits rowed well and evenly.

But ever astern of us those ten oars rose and fell, unfaltering, until I grew dazed with the flash of the steadily-swung blades.

Then I looked at the iron shore, and saw the long lines of cruel cliffs with the white foam at their feet, seeming endless.

There may have been a cove in sight, but I could not make it out, and anywise it must have been too far for us.
Then I looked at Gerda, and saw that there was some trouble in her face as she looked forward.