Page:In Maremma, by Ouida (vol 1).djvu/221

 'You are a strange wench. Perhaps you mean well. If you did save me'

'I did save you.'

'You are strong and bold then. Yes, I swam. I have lain hid on the rocks at night and crept along the coast by day; we had sighted a boat; we sculled along in her, but in the storm just now she heeled over; we swam for our lives; he who was with me is drowned I think. Just now I grew blind and numb, and I could not make way any more. I suppose it was being so long in the sea. I am thirsty. Give me to drink.'

She had had the half emptied gourd slung at her side, and had set it down on the beach when she plunged into the water. She held it to him, and he drank it dry.

'Were it but wine!' he said, with an oath. 'Give me a knife now.'

'I have no knife.'

'You can get one.'

'Not here. This is all wild coast.'

He sat up and stared still sullenly into the gloom; he was bewildered, but he remained suspicious and ferocious like the tiger chased by night and dazzled by torches and fire.