They dared not even try to cheer; their
voices were strangled in their throats.
"Just in time, and that's all, captain," said the engineer as he brought
the launch about. "Better reach for the chap in the water first."
"No," Shag managed to say, "take the kiddie; he's slipping off. I'm
good for a minute longer." So they lifted Freddy into the launch, then
poor unconscious Hal, and lastly Shag, exhausted but gritty and game
to the last.
Hal had been in his own bed for two hours before he spoke, and the first
word he said was "Freddy?"
"Freddy's here," trembled Professor Warwick, "here safe and sound, and
you're safe, too."
"I dreamt I heard Shag call, call that he was coming to me," said Hal
feebly.
"It was no dream, Hal," answered the Professor; "he did call and went to
you, saved you, swam out like the prince he is--saved you, Hal, saved
you!" Hal started up, his eyes wild with fear.
"Where is he? Where's Shag?" he demanded.
"Here, Hal," said the Indian from the opposite side of the room.
Hal stretched out his hand; Shag walked very shakily across and clasped
it within his own.
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