"We must swim for this," said Crusoe, "although I much doubt if we shall ever be able to reach dry land again. Pull off your boots and your jacket, and put one of these oars under your arms, it will help to keep you up."
Leslie mechanically followed Crusoe's directions. He was too frightened at the result of his thoughtless folly to have the presence of mind to think for himself. The boat soon sank from under them, leaving them to buffet alone and unaided with the waves.
Never before had Leslie attempted, or even dreamt of swimming the distance which now intervened between him and the shore; he felt he should never be able to accomplish it. However, he struggled bravely, occasionally cheered by an encouraging word from Crusoe. How bitterly he repented his foolish act; and as he felt his strength diminishing, his thoughts rapidly travelled to his home and his parents, and in imagination he saw their sorrowful faces, as they bent over his lifeless body as the waves washed it ashore. What would he not have given for the power to undo his folly. But an action once done, however good or however bad it may be, can never be undone. This should make us thoughtful.
"I can't struggle any longer, Crusoe," said Leslie, in a faint voice.
"Throw one arm on my back, don't clutch," said Crusoe.
Leslie felt himself growing fainter and fainter; the sea and sky seem to mingle and go rapidly round and round; he relinquished his hold of the oar, which floated away, and he gradually sank deeper and deeper into the water; and just as he heard a confused sound as of voices shouting, he relaxed his hold of Crusoe and sank into total unconsciousness.
When Leslie again returned to consciousness, he found himself lying in his own bed, with his father and mother seated by its side. "Where am I?" he murmured.
"Thank God, he is safe," said Mrs Ross, turning away to hide her tears.
"Oh, father, I'm so sorry," cried Leslie, as the recollection of what he had done flashed across his mind.