Scoodrach obeyed, and the swim was renewed, the two lads easily making their way back to the mouth of the cave, up which they had about twenty feet to go to reach the spot where the clothes were laid.
“Now,” cried Kenneth, “you’ve got to learn to swim, so have your first try.”
“No, no; not this morning.”
“Yes. At once. Strike out, and try to get in.”
“But I can’t. I shall sink.”
“No, you shan’t; I won’t let you. Try.”
There was no help for it. Max was compelled to try, for the support was suddenly withdrawn, and for the next few minutes the poor fellow was struggling and panting blindly, till he felt his hand seized, and that it was guided to the side, up which he was helped to scramble.
“There!” cried Kenneth. “There’s a big towel. Have a good rub, and you’ll be all in a glow.”
Max took the towel involuntarily, and breathlessly tried to remove the great drops which clung to him, feeling, to his surprise, anything but cold, and, by the time he was half dressed, that it was not such a terrible ordeal he had passed through after all.
“She’ll swim next time,” said Scood, as he rubbed away at his fiery head.