The ungainly form of the gallant Susanne was slowly hoisted on to the ice and dragged towards the crowd. Bert was the first to make his way to the front to receive him, and once with Bagshaw's help having carried him to the rear of the crowd, he set about reviving him in a manner quite scientific. He rolled and squeezed Susanne till one might have accused him of positive roughness. He worked till his breath came in gasps, and until another of the fellows came in to assist him.
Meanwhile, there remained in the water Trendall and four others, and soon enough the former was sent to safety.
"Now," said Harvey, when the rope came swishing over them again, "Darrell." But Clive showed no keenness.
"Quick!" commanded Harvey. "Off you go."
"Please," began Clive, for to argue with the great Harvey seemed a sacrilege—"please, Harvey——"
"Eh? What on earth's the matter with the kid?" demanded that latter. "Look here, we're all of us jolly well frozen. I am, at any rate. Ranleigh don't want to have to record a death on this occasion. So out you go."
But again Clive objected. "Oh, I say, Harvey, please——" he began. "I—you know——"
Harvey scowled. The pleasant-faced captain of the school actually scowled. Had he been on terra firma and this Darrell dared to disobey his glance even, Harvey would have booted him.
"Yes, I'd boot the little beggar," he said angrily, for he was still fearful of what might happen. But Sturton knew his man to a T. He leaned over, all dripping as he was, and whispered to Harvey.
"Leave the kid," he said. "He was first here, and he makes it a sort of point of honour. Leave the kid, Harvey."