"You are not afraid?" he asked in doubtful surprise. "Not with you," she answered quickly. "Then we must swim ashore. Another squall and the boat may strike us," he said fearfully. "I cannot swim," she said, for the first time feeling the fear of the dark water around them. "No need. Hold on to my shoulder. Don't let go--not even if we go under a wave. I will bring you up safely again. You understand?" "Yes," she obeyed, and with a strange feeling of perfect protection, she gave herself up to his guidance. George struck out in a bold stroke. For a time he swam with rapid progress. Then his stroke slackened and he made decided effort. Edith had been watching the fast nearing shore. Now she watched his face. It was growing white and drawn. She gave a little scream and unconsciously tightened her hold. By a desperate effort George kept them above water. "Relax your hold!" he shouted, hoarsely, and she could see the words wasted precious strength. She tried to calm herself. Her heart beat wildly. Never once did she look from George's deathlike face. On he swam, straining every nerve and muscle. At times his eyes almost closed. Finally the shore was reached. Wading through the shallow water, he dragged Edith quickly to the dry beach. "Safe!" he exclaimed. Then with a low cry of pain he staggered forward. Edith caught him by the arm. With a strength born of the hour, she prevented him from falling to the ground. Quickly she sat beside him and lifted his head upon her lap. "George, you are hurt," she cried fearfully. "Yes, please unloosen my vest. The boat struck me here," he said, touching his chest to denote the spot. Carefully she uncovered the wound. Blood covered shirt and vest. "O! George! George!" she sobbed piteously. George struggled to a sitting position. "Edith, don't waste time with me. It is my finish. Go around to the point where you can be seen. They will surely come for us some time. Go! It is almost dark!" She leaned over him, until her fair hair touched his own. "Leave you now? Never!" Her tone fascinated him and he looked at her with growing intensity in his now sunken eyes. Soul met soul in that long, hungry gaze. Behind them the storm raged through the forest. Before them the waves beat wildly. The time and place completely separated them from the world. Alone with death--and George. The fearful past was entirely obliterated. The eternal future--what might it bring? Only the fleeting now was surely hers! She watched his face becoming gray. His eyes still shone upon her. "George," she murmured, putting both arms around his drooping head, "we shall die together." His eyes closed, and she uttered a cry of misery. "George! speak! speak! You must tell me once more you love me!" His eyes opened upon her with a great joy. "Edith, you--mean--that?" "Yes! Yes!" she answered, and her gaze so intense, seemed to thrill him to life. He struggled to his feet. She arose to support him.