"I say!" called the young man, "I'm afraid I dare not take you tall ones on my boat! I had great work with the last when we got into the waves at the corner, and an upset would be very serious. But if you could take hold of the sternpost, it would keep you up perfectly, and it is not far."
He looked anxiously in their faces, fearing this would be considered sad news.
"I can swim a little," said George; "I think I might hold on to your rope, and then Maude could hold on to the stern. You would be back quicker for the others by taking two."
"All right," answered he, throwing his painter to him, and coming close to Maude, showed her where to hold; "just let yourself float easily," he added, "but hold firmly; don't be frightened."
"Keep up a brave heart," he said to the two who were left behind; "I will come as soon as ever I can."
"We are sure of that," said Nellie gratefully; "thank you if we never—"
"I say!" he shouted back, "can you two float?"
"Yes," shouted Hope in return.
"Then float, and don't lose your presence of mind; you will be saved, I hope!"
"I am off my feet," said Nellie hurriedly, holding tighter to Hope's arm.