As Dalzell got back where he had first reached Foss and Susie, he espied the head of Ab Canty some distance away.
"Ab!" called Dan.
"Here!"
"What has become of Ella?"
"Oh, I wish I knew!"
"Was she afloat at all!" demanded Dan, swimming nearer.
"Yes; I kept her up for a couple of minutes, maybe. Then she got more scared, wound her arms tight around me, and we both sank. We had a struggle under water. I freed myself, but when I came to the top I found that my hand was clutching nothing but her empty jersey. There it is now," chattered Ab, his teeth, knocking against each other, as he pointed to the garment in question on the top of a distant wave. Then Ab sank.
For just an instant Dalzell thought Canty had gone below on purpose. Dan swam closer, to be of assistance. Then he saw the bubbles of air coming up rapidly.
"Cantys given out—he's going to drown!" gasped Midshipman Dan, with horror.
Like a flash Dan dived below, found and clutched at Canty. The young man returned the grip with interest, but Midshipman Dalzell struggled to the surface with him. Ab Canty was exhausted, out of his head and altogether past reasoning. Dan hated to do it, but he had to strike the young man in the forehead. Canty gave a gasp and ceased to resist.