“Hurry! Hurry! Help me!” she shouted to the leaders of the other would-be rescue party. “I can’t hold him much longer!”
“Hey, you, come and get me first! I’ve been in the water longer!” yelled Elmer.
But fortunately for Harry, it was Paul and Jerry who were in the van of the skaters, and at Viola’s cries, they put on every ounce of speed they had, relieving her of her hold just in the nick of time.
Harry, however, was more used up than the others had believed, and it was several minutes before he opened his eyes.
“Is—is Viola safe?” he gasped.
“Indeed, I am, Harry!” returned the girl, bending over him. And there was a light in her eyes that thrilled the boy who had rescued her.
When he tried to get up, Harry found he had no strength.
“Somebody go get a sled,” commanded Longback.
“And let him lie here cold and wet, while you’re going for it?” stormed Viola. “Pick him up and carry him, some of you.”
Instantly Paul, Jerry, Dawson and another boy seized Harry, and half supporting, half carrying him, they got him to the shore, while Nettie and the other girls helped Viola, leaving Elmer to the tender mercies of Pud and Socker, who had finally arrived in time to drag him from the water.