‘Well father, I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m afraid it’s my fault. But it can’t be helped; I’ve done what I could for the moment. I could go on diving, of course — not much, though — and not much use — ’

He moved away barefoot, on the planks of the platform. Then he trod on something sharp.

‘Of course, you’ve got no shoes on,’ said Birkin.

‘His shoes are here!’ cried Gudrun from below. She was making fast her boat.

Gerald waited for them to be brought to him. Gudrun came with them. He pulled them on his feet.

‘If you once die,’ he said, ‘then when it’s over, it’s finished. Why come to life again? There’s