`` Have you matches ? No ? Emily , get some . We must light a bonfire at least . And bring Father 's glass . '' `` It is not a fit night for you to be out , '' said Alan anxiously . `` You are sheltered here -- you do n't feel it -- but it 's a fearful storm down there . '' `` I am not afraid of the storm . It will not hurt me . Let us hurry . It is growing dark already . '' In silence they breasted their way to the shore and around the headland . Arriving opposite Philip 's Point , a lull in the sleet permitted them to see the sunken schooner and the clinging figure . Lynde waved her hand to him and they saw him wave back . `` It wo n't be necessary to light a fire now that he has seen us , '' said Lynde . `` 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 XXXXX the backwater and drag him in . ''
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