"Just in time, and that's all, captain," said the engineer as he brought the launch about. "Better reach for the chap in the water first."
"No," Shag managed to say, "take the kiddie; he's slipping off. I'm good for a minute longer." So they lifted Freddy into the launch, then poor unconscious Hal, and lastly Shag, exhausted but gritty and game to the last.
Hal had been in his own bed for two hours before he spoke, and the first word he said was "Freddy?"
"Freddy's here," trembled Professor Warwick, "here safe and sound, and you're safe, too."
"I dreamt I heard Shag call, call that he was coming to me," said Hal feebly.
"It was no dream, Hal," answered the Professor; "he did call and went to you, saved you, swam out like the prince he is—saved you, Hal, saved you!" Hal started up, his eyes wild with fear.
"Where is he? Where's Shag?" he demanded.
"Here, Hal," said the Indian from the opposite side of the room.
Hal stretched out his hand; Shag walked very shakily across and clasped it within his own.
"If you hadn't been here, Shag, I could never have looked dad and mother in the face again," he sighed.