The girl now was motionless and Grant's great anxiety was in a
measure relieved. He had been fearful that she would try to seize
him by the neck or arms and prevent him from doing anything to
help either of them.
Grant was aware also that his strength would not permit him to
continue the struggle much longer. Already he was breathing
heavily and all his powers were required to keep himself and the
nearly unconscious girl afloat. He had been able thus far to hold
her head above the water, for fortunately at this time the river
was unusually calm.
Again, almost in despair, he looked back at the motor-boat.
"Here!" called Fred, who had left the wheel and was standing in
the bow holding a rope in his hand. "Catch this!" He had hastily
tied a noose in the end and as he threw this toward the
struggling boy, Grant fortunately grasped it.
By a supreme effort he managed to slip one arm through the noose
and as soon as this had been done Fred instantly began to pull.
Several times in spite of all the care Fred was exercising, the
heads of Grant and his companion were drawn beneath the water.
Still Grant managed to maintain his hold upon the girl and in a
brief time they were drawn alongside the Black Growler.
"I can't pull you both up," called Fred in his excitement.
"No," gasped Grant. "I don't think you can pull either one of
us.
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