“Oh, I hope he hasn’t been carried down the river!” cried Gus; and he added in a low tone, “Poor Olly! if he is dead, oh, what will I do? It will break his father’s heart!”
“I don’t see—” began Mr. Whyland, and then, happening to glance up, he ejaculated, “here he is up in the tree!”
In a moment more Cottle had climbed the tree and had the body on the ground. He loosened Oliver’s collar, and applied his ear to the boy’s heart.
“Is he—is he alive?” faltered Gus.
“Oh, yes; but he has had a severe shaking up. Bring some water from the river.”
Gus hurried off to do so. When he returned Oliver was just stirring. Mr. Whyland put some of the water on his face and hair.
Presently Oliver opened his eyes and sat up.
“Where am I?” he asked faintly. “What—what—oh, I remember now! I didn’t go into the river, did I?”
“No, thank God, you did not,” replied Mr. Whyland. “It was a most miraculous escape!”