As they sank beneath the surface Bob swung the Dartaway in a half curve to avoid the possibility of striking the rescuers or the girls. He watched the surface of the water with anxious eyes as he made a big circle about the place.
Though it seemed several minutes it was only a few seconds before Jerry came up. In one arm he held the unconscious form of a girl, and he struck out for the Dartaway. Bob headed for him, taking care to steer so that he could come broadside on. A few seconds later Ned appeared, but he had not found the second girl.
“I can’t—find—her—” he gasped, blowing the water from his mouth. “I’m going—down—again.”
Jerry swam to the motor boat, and, still keeping the engine going, but throwing out the clutch, Bob helped lift the unconscious girl over the side.
As she was placed on the cushions she opened her eyes.
“She’s all right,” said Jerry. “I’m going back to help Ned find the other one. Stand by, Bob.”
Plunging over the side once more Jerry struck out for the swirling eddies that indicated where Ned had gone down again in his search.
Ducking his head under the water, and opening his eyes, Jerry peered down on the bottom of the river to see if he could discern where the body was. He saw it in a tangle of weeds.
At the same instant Ned caught sight of it, and made another dive, having come to the surface to breathe. Ned was the first to reach the girl. He brought her to the surface, though it was hard work, as she was much heavier than her companion.
Between them Ned and Jerry swam with the girl to the motor boat, and lifted her over the side. Then they climbed in themselves.