`` By the mass ! '' cried Dick , as he was helped ashore , `` that makes a life I owe you . I swim like a cannon-ball . '' And he turned instantly towards the island . Midway over , Hugh Ferryman was swimming with his upturned boat , while John-a-Fenne , furious at the ill-fortune of his shot , bawled to him to hurry . `` Come , Jack , '' said Shelton , `` run for it ! Ere Hugh can hale his barge across , or the pair of 'em can get it righted , we may be out of cry . '' And adding example to his words , he began to run , dodging among the willows , and in marshy places leaping from tussock to tussock . He had no time to look for his direction ; all he could do was to turn his back upon the river , and put all his heart to running . Presently , however , the ground began to rise , which showed him he was still in the right way , and soon after they came forth upon a slope of solid turf , where elms began to mingle with the willows . But here Matcham , who had been dragging far into the rear , threw himself fairly down . `` Leave me , Dick ! '' he cried , pantingly ; `` I can no more . '' Dick turned , and came back to where his companion lay . `` Nay , Jack , leave thee ! '' he cried . `` That were a knave 's trick , to be sure , when ye risked a shot and a ducking , ay , and a drowning too , to save my life . Drowning , in sooth ; for why I did not pull you in along with me , the saints alone can tell ! '' `` Nay , '' said Matcham , `` I would ` a ' saved us both , good Dick , for I can swim . '' `` Can ye so ? ''
cried XXXXX , with open eyes .
Dick Drowning Hugh Jack Shelton ill-fortune knave right sooth tussock