"You all right," the girl repeated in a cheery, matter-of-fact tone that was just what Kitty needed. "I was working on the shore," she went on, "and I see a canoe come floating down. I think it is foolish to let a good boat get broke on the rocks, so I get my boat and paddle for it, but there isn't much time. I come to it, and I look in. Wah! there is you!"
"Oh, it was horrible! horrible!" murmured Kitty, shaken by strong shudders.
"Forget it," said the girl. "You all right now."
"How did you get me ashore?" Kitty asked.
"It was not much," the girl said with a shrug. "I was too near the rapids to save both boats, so I jump in yours and let mine go down. It was pretty hard paddling," she went on, smiling; "we were on the wrong side for the deep water. Long time we jus' stand still out there, and not go up or down. Then we come in slow, slow. There is a tree fallen down beside the water, and I catch hold just in time."
"You have saved my life!" murmured Kitty.
"Cut it out!" said the dark girl gruffly. "It was worth it for the boat alone."
"But you lost your boat," said Kitty.
The other shook her head. "It is stuck on the rocks down there," she said. "I will get it after."
Strength and self-command came back to Kitty, and she sat up. The two girls measured each other with glances of shy, strong curiosity. Each was a surprising discovery to the other.