The little fellow released his hold just a little, and Owen struck out with one hand. Dale tried to follow, but Gertrude could not be quieted, and he gave up in despair.
"I know what I am going to do," cried Owen. "Take the boy a minute or two. I'll get that tree trunk over yonder, and then we can ride on that."
Despite his struggles, he passed Bertie to Dale and struck out for the trunk in question, which lay partly in and partly out of the water, a short distance up the shore. With the smoke and sparks all around him, he caught hold of the trunk and floated it. Then he brought it over to where Dale was treading water as before.
"Now sit on the tree," said Owen to the little ones, and they were made to obey. Then, while Dale held them with one hand and swam with the other, Owen got at the rear end of the trunk and pushed it ahead toward the island.
"I see the boat! I see the boat!" suddenly shrieked Bertie. "Take me to the boat!"
He pointed with his finger, and, looking in the direction, the young lumbermen saw a steam launch gliding over the lake not a great distance off. Both gave a yell and waved their arms, and soon the launch was puffing in their direction.
When it came closer, they saw that the craft contained Mrs. Wilbur, Jasper Nown, a nurse in a white apron and cap, and a man who looked after the boats belonging to the lodge.
"My children!" came in a loud cry from the lady. "Oh, are my children safe?"
"Yes, ma'am, they are all right," answered Owen.
"Thank Heaven!" she murmured, and when the launch came up beside the floating timber, she strained each little one to her breast, and kissed them over and over again, while the tears of joy streamed down her cheeks.