“I am here to assist you, miss,” said Frank; “but you are a wonderfully good swimmer. Your clothes will become heavy soon, and I shall find it a pleasure to help you keep up till the steamer comes to our rescue.”
“But you are a stranger, and——”
“Do you think we really need an introduction now?” smiled Merry.
“No; but I had no right to expect this of you—don’t be frightened, Jack—Elder Jones should have been the one; but it is plain he is a physical coward, no matter what he is morally.”
Her lips curled a bit as she spoke of the man who had been her companion on the boat, making it plain she entertained a feeling of loathing for him.
“Can I help you now in any way?” asked Frank. “You swam so hard to reach your dog that it must have taken your breath and strength.”
“I don’t need any help just now,” she said: “but if you will aid Jack to keep up, poor little fellow!”
Then Frank took the dog, placed him on his shoulders, and paddled along in that way, with the animal crouching on his head and shoulders.
The girl laughed. It was the same bewitching laugh that had so attracted Merriwell on the boat.
“You can’t imagine how funny you look!” she said.