“Yes, but the water goes round and round there, Gil; that must be the place.”
He was about to plunge in, but it was Gilmore’s turn to arrest him.
“No, no; it would be no use.”
“Yes; I’ll dive down.”
“But there are old posts and big stones, I daren’t let you go.”
“Ah!” shouted Vane wildly; “look—look!”
He shook himself free and plunged in as Gilmore caught sight of something close up to the old piece of blackened oak upon which Macey had so cleverly steered the boat. It was only a glimpse of something floating, and then it was gone; and he followed Vane, who was swimming out to the old post. This he reached before Gilmore was half-way, swam round for a few moments, and then paddled like a dog, rose as high as he could, turned over and dived down into the deep black hole.
In a few moments he was up again to take a long breath and dive once more.
This time he was down longer, and Gilmore held on by the slimy post, gazing about with staring eyes, and prepared himself to dive down after his friend, when all at once, Vane’s white face appeared, and one arm was thrust forth to give a vigorous blow upon the surface.
“Got him,” he cried in a half-choked voice, “Gil, help!”