"I might have drowned if it hadn't been for you," continued Fred, with a grateful look at first one and then the other.
"It was certainly a close call," answered Bart. "Why didn't you yell when you were first taken?"
"I didn't have time. It came on me like a streak of lightning. I couldn't strike out or use my voice."
"You had better put on your clothing," said Joe.
"I will. I shan't want to go swimming again this summer," and the stout youth gave a shudder.
"Well, I've had enough myself just for the present," put in Bart. "To witness something like this takes all the nerve out of a chap."
Both Joe and Bart gave Fred a good rubbing down and assisted him into his clothing. Then they dressed themselves.
"How do you feel now?" asked Joe.
"All right, only a little weak in the legs and the stomach."
"You needn't to row," put in Bart. "We'll do that. You can take it easy."