“Now, Drinian,” said Caspian. “How would it be if we gave up the boat for lost, went down to another part of the bay, and signalled to the Dawn Treader to stand in and take us aboard?”
“Not depth for her, Sire,” said Drinian. “We could swim,” said Lucy.
“Your Majesties all,” said Reepicheep, “hear me. It is folly to think of avoiding an invisible enemy by any amount of creeping and skulking. If these creatures mean to bring us to battle, be sure they will succeed. And whatever comes of it I‘d sooner meet them face to face than be caught by the tail.”
“I really think Reep is in the right this time,” said Edmund. “Surely,” said Lucy, “if Rhince and the others on the Dawn Treader see us fighting on the shore they’ll be able to dosomething.”
“But they won‘t see us fighting if they can’t see any enemy,” said Eustace miserably. “They‘ll think we’re just swinging our swords in the air for fun.”
There was an uncomfortable pause.
“Well,” said Caspian at last, “let‘s get on with it. We must go and face them. Shake hands all round.arrow on the string, Lucy.swords out, everyone else.and now for it. Perhaps they’ll parley.”