“I’d swim and get a boat, if the water wasn’t so cold,” said Tom.
“Don’t try, Tom. You’d get a cramp,” begged Zu-zu.
The boys shouted, and Zu-zu screamed, and all waved their handkerchiefs, while Bob raised his head in astonishment. Presently Tom panted:
“Somebody’s putting out in a boat, all right enough. Keep it up.”
From the mainland opposite, where lights were beginning to twinkle, a boat, barely seen against the dark shore-line, was starting out into the slough. They heard the rattle of the oars dropping into the oar-locks.
“Keep yelling,” gasped Ned.
And they did, until it was plain that the boat was making for them.
“It’s the Black Swan!” whispered Zu-zu, excitedly, as the craft neared.
“Oh, no,” scoffed Tom.
“But it is, it is!” insisted Zu-zu. “I know it is!”