"Never touched me," said Ned, more to keep up his own spirits than with the intent to speak slightingly of the Professor's effort.
"Take it up stream throw it out, then let it float down," suggested
Ned.
Professor Zepplin did so, but the rope was found to be too short to reach, and at Ned's direction, he made no further attempt.
Soon Ned heard some one shouting cheerily up the stream. It was Tad Butler. He had dashed up to camp immediately upon reaching shore, and the exercise restored his circulation. Walter, who was in camp had Pink-eye ready and saddled for an emergency, and Tad mounting the pony, forced him to take to the water. He was now returning to rescue his brave friend, who was clinging to the rock. He had been unwilling to trust the perilous trip to anyone else.
"I was afraid Walt would go over the falls, pony and all," he explained, wheeling alongside Ned Rector and picking him up from the rock.
"I'll run a foot race with you when we get ashore," laughed Tad.
"Go you," answered Ned promptly. "The one who loses has to get up and cook the breakfast."
CHAPTER IV
SURPRISED BY AN UNWELCOME VISITOR
"I'm sorry I was to blame for your going into the creek," apologized
Ned Rector, bending over the shivering Stacy.