The track-walker used all his strength, for the sand clung to the old detective tenaciously, and dragged him up.
Around him the sand stirred up and the water bubbled and eddied as it rushed into the opening left by his body.
After a fearful struggle Old King Brady was dragged free of the sand, and drawn to the shore, panting and drenched.
Harry had sunk to his chin.
It was only by keeping his head thrown back that he kept his mouth above water, and his two hands were raised.
Quick to act, and paying no heed to his own exhaustion, Old King Brady grasped the pole and thrust it out to the boy.
Half gone, Harry took hold.
Between the old detective and the track-walker he was hauled up and pulled ashore in a half-fainting condition. It was some time ere he revived.
But when his faculties returned, and the old track-walker had been thanked, the boy told their benefactor all that had happened.
He was surprised and indignant.