Mr. Gordon was quickly flinging one end of the
rope toward Paul. He had slipped the noose over his own body, securing it under his arms.
"If you feel any quick jerks pull hard!" he shouted.
The next instant, he had leaped from the bank. They saw him take a graceful header into the agitated water, where the boys were gathering. Then he vanished from their sight.
Paul clutched the rope and gathered in the slack. His heart was pounding like mad with the anxiety, while he waited for results. If no signal came after a certain lapse of time he meant to pull in anyway; determined that Mr. Gordon must not be sacrificed too.
"Get a grip here, some of you fellows!" he called, fearing lest he might not be able to manage alone.
Willing hands seized hold, and half a dozen hung to the rope. Every eye was fastened on the surface of the water; but since the boys had trooped ashore it was no longer agitated. Paul could see that wide circle forming a distinct swirl. He shuddered as he looked at it. Never again would he ever watch a sweeping ring in the water without feeling a coldness in the region of his heart.
The terrible seconds passed. Some of the boys were as white as ghosts; and they shivered while standing there scantily clad.
"Oh! let's drag him back!" exclaimed William, who had hold next to Paul.