He lay with the back of his head in amongst the reeds for some minutes, not daring to move lest he should glide back into deep water, but even now the waves were rippling end playing in his ears. He could not stay long, however, like that, for he had Wat Kilby to think of; and throwing one arm back over the reeds he dragged himself more amongst them, and at the same time pulled Wat close to his side. How it was done he never afterwards knew, only that he contrived somehow to rouse the old sailor sufficiently to once more take a little interest in life, and draw himself over and amongst the reeds. So far from being in safety, all they had gained was the power to breathe, for at the least movement the thin, whispering, water-grasses gave way, and their position was worse. "Can you hear me speak, Wat?" said Gil at last, in a hoarse voice, as he felt that he was once more gaining breath. "Ay, skipper," said the old fellow, faintly; "I be not dead yet." "Can you draw yourself more amongst the reeds?" There was a few minutes' pause, and then Wat said with a groan, "No, skipper. If I move, it means going below; there's nothing to hold on by." Gil foresaw that this would be the reply, for on feeling cautiously round he could only come to the conclusion that they were half floating, half lying, among some nearly-submerged reeds, and that the slightest effort to better their condition meant the destruction of the frail support. "Wait till you get your breath, Wat, and then shout for help," said Gil. "Nay, I'll not call," was the hoarse reply. "Do thou shout, skipper." "I order you to call, Wat," was the half-angry reply; and, in obedience, Wat uttered a hoarse hail from time to time, for his voice to go floating over the water, borne by the breeze away from the Pool-house, and here the two men lay some three hundred yards from the garden, cold, benumbed, and gradually growing more helpless, while those who were nearest slept on hearing no cries, and in utter ignorance of the peril in which the two well-known adventurers lay. The hails uttered from time to time reached one or two of the cottages, but those who heard the sounds float from off the lake merely turned once in their beds, and thought of marsh spirits, or the night-walkers that had been seen from time to time, passing along the tracks; while the less superstitious said to one another, "Captain Culverin and his men be out to-night. What be in the wind now?" Again and again did Gil make an effort to find where they lay, and see if he could not reach the boat, and come back to his companion's help; but the darkness was made more intense by the thick mist which was heavier than ever. He was rested though, and had the nerve to make a bold effort, but those boots that clung to his legs far above his knees were like lead, and he dare hardly stir.