“It was an accident!” cried Peter, somewhat alarmed at the outcome of his mean trick.
“Can you swim?” asked Tony of Larry, who had sunk once, but who soon bobbed up again.
“Yes—I—can!” gasped the boy. “I had—to—kick—my—rubber—boots—off—though!”
They both struck out for Peter’s boat, expecting that the occupants would stop and assist them. But this was not Peter’s idea. Jim would have stopped rowing and gone to the rescue of those in the water, but Peter steered the boat to one side and the momentum carried it a considerable distance away.
“Aren’t you going to help them?” asked Jim.
“No!” snapped Peter. “You keep on rowing. We must get to the telegraph office first! I’ve got to beat them!”
“But they may drown!”
“No danger. They can both swim, and they can cling to their boat until we come back. Someone will come out from shore for them. See, some boats are starting already.”
This was so, several small craft putting out as soon as those on shore saw the accident happen.
“Now you row on!” commanded Peter. “I hired you to take me to the telegraph office and we haven’t time to stop and rescue people.”