"I know," nodded Dave, "but I've got you, and I never let go of a good thing."
Darrin's heart throbbed gratefully. All of the boat crew were accounted for; not a man of his command lost.
Further off he could see Mr. Salisbury and the engineer of the foundered power boat, each held up by a life-preserve.
But, though all of the wrecked middies were afloat, they were as yet by no means safe. Some were so helpless that every man who could keep himself afloat and help another was thus engaged.
Dave, after his strong exertions, found himself rapidly "playing out." If help did not soon reach him he felt that he would be exhausted.
"Can't you help yourself a little more, Mr. Page?" he asked.
Unnoticed by Darrin, Midshipman Page had been slowly relapsing into unconsciousness. In the collision Page had been hit glancingly on the head by the gaff of the falling mainsail.
Page heard Dave's query with a muddled mind. All he grasped was that Darrin was doubtful of his ability to keep them both up.
In an agony of unreasoning, stupefied dread, Midshipman Page swiftly wound both arms around Dave Darrin.
"Here!" commanded the young captain the crew. "Don't do that!"