But it was long before they could haul his half-senseless form from the water; and by the time this was accomplished, Bowler himself was so exhausted that he in turn needed all Braintree's aid to land himself.

At last, however, all three were on the ledge.
But what were they to do next?
Tubbs lay still half-stupefied, utterly unable to help himself.

The rock they had descended frowned above them, defying any attempt to return the way they had _come_, and between the ledge they stood on and the rock the other side twenty yards of uneasy water intervened.
"Could we swim across with him ?" said Bowler, after a little.
"I'll do my best," said Braintree.
"The thing is," said Bowler, "the tide was dead out an hour ago, so it must be coming in now.

Oh, what a cad I was to lead you into this, Braintree!" "Shut up, old man, I say," said Braintree; and he began to take off his coat and boots.
Bowler did the same.
"We shall have to leave them behind," said he.

"It can't be helped.
Are you ready ?" "Yes.