The keel of the boat now grated on the rocky bottom. Grant, who
had been following the same course now obtained a precarious
foothold and at once advanced to the aid of the helpless girl. He
was still breathing heavily from his own exertions and his
strength had not fully returned. Stumbling, slipping on the
rocks, twice nearly falling into the river he managed to draw the
girl up on the shore and as soon as he was satisfied that she was
living he called to Fred, "Go on back and help the other fellows
and I'll run up to this cottage and get some one to look after
this girl."
"Give me a push, I'm almost grounded," called Fred frantically.
The engine had been reversed and the added help which Grant gave
as he pushed hard against the bow sent the motor-boat back into
the river. Satisfied that there was nothing more to be done Grant
once more turned and as fast as he was able ran toward the
cottage located fifty yards back from the shore.
In response to his appeal two women and a man at once ran toward
the place where Grant had left the girl.
"Please look after her," said Grant hastily. "I want to go back
to help the others. We had an accident," he explained.
The boy was rapidly recovering his breath by this time and as
already he had seen a little skiff at the nearby dock, without
asking permission or explaining what he was about to do he ran to
the place, cast off and leaped on board.
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