Jerry launched himself through the ice-cold element and grasped Bart by the collar. Holding him up with one hand, he swam toward the ice-boat, which had turned over on one side. It was floating and would support them all for a time.
Ned, Bob and Bill had already reached the craft, but Bart was struggling frantically.
“I—I can’t swim!” he gasped, spluttering the words as water got in his mouth.
“Keep still!” cried Jerry. “I’ll save you!”
This he did. By dint of hard work he managed to get Bart to the ice-boat and put his arms over it.
“Hold on!” panted Jerry. “Help’s coming.”
Another ice-boat and several skaters who had seen the accident were hurrying to the rescue. Help was given promptly, fence rails and ropes from the other boat being secured to assist the boys out of the water.
Then, dripping wet, and shivering with cold, they were hurried to Simpson’s, where hot blankets and hot drinks promptly administered were used to prevent pneumonia.
“You—you saved my life, Jerry,” said Bart, earnestly, when they were sitting before a warm fire, waiting for a conveyance to take them back to Boxwood Hall. “I—I won’t forget it.”