Then Dave rose, for he was commander here. "Danny boy, throw off your shoes and blouse and cap. The rest stand by the boat to give such aid as you can. Ladies, you'll excuse us."
Thereupon Dave Darrin doffed his own cap, blouse and shoes. He and Dalzell were the two best swimmers in the party, and it looked as though there would be work ahead for them to do.
In another moment the steamer was on the scene, and speed was shut off. Lambert, Haynes and Whipple, with their girl companions, were speedily reached and hauled aboard.
Then Gray came up, but alone.
"Hasn't Pauline come up?" he gasped in terror.
"No," Darrin replied shortly, but in a voice laden with sympathy.
"Then I've got to down again," replied Gray despairingly. "I'd better stay down, too."
He sank instantly, a row of bubbles coming up at the spot where he had vanished.
"The poor, unfortunate fellow! He won't really attempt to drown himself, will he, if he doesn't find his young woman friend?" inquired Mrs. Meade.
"No," Dave answered without turning. "And we wouldn't allow him to do so, either."