She tried to save herself, and, failing, pitched headlong into the water.
Harry saw her go under the greenish waves.
“She’ll be struck by the paddle wheel,” he yelled, and then, splash! he was overboard himself.
Bravely he struck out to save the maiden.
The order was given to back the steamboat.
The wheels churned up the water into a white foam, but still the momentum carried the large craft on. In the meantime Harry came up and struck out valiantly for the girl, who was now going down for a second time.
“Save her! Save her!” shrieked the mother of the girl, in an agony of fear.
Half a dozen life preservers were thrown overboard, but none came to where the girl could reach them.
The mother of the girl wanted to join her daughter in the water but strong hands held her back.
“The young fellow will save her, madam!”