She looked relieved, and then a mischievous expression flitted over her face, for she understood Browning's little game. Immediately she pretended to be both frightened and indignant with Diamond.
"I knew it!" she exclaimed. "Mr. Diamond could not deceive me. I was sure there was great danger."
"Of course," said the big fellow, in his peculiar way, "we may reach Green's Landing in safety, but the chances
are against it. However, if we are capsized, I shall not fail to assist you in getting to the mainland, Miss Benjamin."
"How thoughtful of you!" she murmured, nestling a bit nearer the big fellow, while Jack ground his teeth and looked as if he longed to murder somebody. "How far away is the mainland?"
"Only about five miles—a short walk. Hem! I mean a short swim."
Diamond sourly observed:
"Without doubt, you could walk it much easier than you could swim it, Mr. Browning."
"Oh, that is an easy swim," said Bruce, offhand. "I have often swam ten or fifteen miles. Without doubt, I could get Miss Benjamin safely ashore."
"It is nice to have such a wonderful swimmer near one—I feel so safe now," said Paula.