The lad poised a moment, then leaped far out into the darkness. Instead of making a dive, head first, Bob chose to go down feet first. His body straightened, and as he neared the water he clasped his hands above his head. He took the water cleanly, making only a slight splash as he disappeared beneath the surface.
As soon as he felt the water closing over him the Iron Boy threw out both hands to stay his progress and began treading water vigorously. He soon regained the surface.
Jarvis came up blowing and puffing, shaking his head and making the water fairly foam about him as he struck out with hands and feet.
"Are you all right, Jarvis?" called Mr. Penton in an anxious tone.
"Yes, where's the plank?"
"To the right of you. A little more to the right. There, it is directly ahead of you now."
A few powerful strokes and Bob had grasped the plank. He pulled himself partly up on it and looked about him.
"Can't you let a candle down to light up this hole?" he called.
"I have nothing to let one down with. Do you see anything?"
"Nothing that I want to see. Ho, Steve!"