All at once the men sat down. A splash followed almost instantly.
"The rope's broken!" cried one, as Bob bounded to his feet.
"Are you hurt?" he cried, running to the edge.
There was no reply.
"He's fallen into the water!" shouted another of the men.
Once more Bob Jarvis leaped from the platform, but this time he dived head first. Like a flash he realized that, having struck the platform, Mr. Penton undoubtedly had been stunned and was unable to help himself.
Such was the case. Coming to the surface almost at once, Bob swam about for a minute or so before discovering Mr. Penton's whereabouts. The superintendent was beginning to struggle, but he was too much dazed to help himself.
Jarvis was by his side with a few swift strokes. He did not wait to inquire whether the superintendent were hurt or not, but, grabbing the man by the collar, Bob began kicking himself toward the platform. By the time they had reached there Mr. Penton was able to help himself a little, but the boy had a hard tussle to get the superintendent on the platform.
Mr. Penton lay down for a brief moment, then sat up.