"There he is now, swimming across the river again, Fred. He ought not to try that so often, seems to me. Why, look at him, will you; he's making believe he's got a cramp or something!"
Fred sprang to his feet excitedly, exclaiming:
"There's no make-believe about that, Bristles; Colon has got a cramp, and right now he's in danger of drowning away out there in the middle of the river. Quick! fellows, to the rescue! Colon is drowning!"
CHAPTER VIII
A SURPRISE
Fred's words created much excitement. Some of the boys stood and looked out to where Colon was struggling desperately in the deep water, seeming to be almost paralyzed with alarm. Others, who kept their wits about them, started after Fred, who, plunging in, was already swimming across the Mohunk.
Fred knew the danger that awaited them. When anyone is drowning, he or she seems to lose all the good sense which at another time he may have possessed. The instinct of self preservation is so strong that a drowning boy will clutch at his dearest friend, and hold frantically to him, not because he wants to pull the other down, but because he hopes to be himself buoyed up.
"Help! help!" Colon was trying to scream, though the water, getting in his mouth, muffled the sound considerably.
There was no need of his wasting what little breath he still possessed. His chums were doing everything in their power to assist him before it was too late.