`` Nothing can be done with village help till morning and that man can never cling there so long . He will freeze to death , for it is growing colder every minute . His only chance is to swim ashore if he can swim . The danger will be when he comes near shore ; the undertow of the backwater on the quicksand will sweep him away and in his probably exhausted condition he may not be able to make head against it . '' `` He knows that , doubtless , and that is why he has n't attempted to swim ashore before this , '' said Alan . `` But I 'll meet him in the backwater and drag him in . '' `` You -- you 'll risk your own life , '' cried Lynde . `` There is a little risk certainly , but I do n't think there is a great one . Anyhow , the attempt must be made , '' said Alan quietly . Suddenly Lynde 's composure forsook her . She wrung her hands . `` I ca n't let you do it , '' she cried wildly . `` You might be drowned -- there 's every risk . You do n't know the force of that backwater . Alan , Alan , do n't think of it . '' She caught his arm in her white wet hands and looked into his face with passionate pleading . Emily , who had said nothing , now spoke harshly . `` Lynde is right , Mr. Douglas . You have no right to risk your life for a stranger . My advice is to go to the village for help , and Lynde and I will make a fire and watch here .
That is all that can be expected XXXXX you or us . ''
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