It was all very well to say "Go to him!" But Bob could not swim, and knowing that he would be out of his depth in the water before he could reach Snip, he naturally hesitated. At that minute, evidently realizing the peril of his situation, the little dog uttered a piteous cry, which nearly drove his mistress frantic; she would have dashed into the pond herself if her brother had not prevented her.
"Oh, what can we do?" she wailed. "Oh, this is awful—awful! Oh, Bob, can't you do anything? Oh, Tim!—where's Tim?"
"Here!" answered Tim, behind her. "It'll be all right, Kitty! Don't you be frightened! I'll get him!"
Kitty now perceived that Tim had divested himself of his coat and waistcoat, and was hurriedly unlacing his boots.
"I can swim—a little," he told her. "I think I shall be able to reach him. There!"—As he pulled off his last boot. "Now I'm ready!"
He waded into the pond till the water reached his chin, Kitty and Bob watching him with deepest anxiety, then swam a few strokes which brought him within reach of Snip. He grasped the little dog by the back of the neck, and, turning, essayed to swim back with him, but Snip continued to struggle, and no progress was made.
"Can you get off the leash?" shouted Bob. "Try! Try!"
Tim did try, and, after several vain attempts, succeeded in disentangling the leash, and setting the dog free. That done Snip swam ashore of his own accord, and his rescuer followed him, to be greeted with tearful thanks from Kitty as he waded out of the pond, and a warm hand-clasp from Bob, who told him that he was "a brave chap, and no mistake!"
"Yes, indeed," agreed Kitty. "But for you, Tim, poor Snip would certainly have been drowned. Oh! I wonder what mother and father will say when they hear about this? Oh, dear me, how dreadfully wet you are, to be sure!"
"It would be a miracle if he was not!" Bob exclaimed, with a laugh, which hid deep feeling. "What silly remarks you do make, Kitty! We must get you home as quick as we can, Tim, or you'll catch cold!"