“O Lord !” he protested. “Stephen, I can’t.⁠ ⁠…” His face was pale and almost piteous under the moon.

Stephen answered him without petulance this time. “John, old man⁠—for God’s sake, see it through⁠ ⁠… we must get on, and I can’t do it without you.⁠ ⁠… I’m awfully sorry.⁠ ⁠… It’s got to be done.⁠ ⁠…” The appeal in his voice succeeded as an irritable outburst could not have done.

John Egerton braced himself again. In his own mind he recognized the practical wisdom of using the boat. He said with a great weariness, “Come on then.”