"What was it?" Keineth managed to whisper. "I'd never, never, never have forgiven myself," Barbara was crying now.
"You almost drowned," Peggy explained. Now that the danger was over she began to enjoy the excitement.
"And Pilot saved you!" Billy cried.
"We had just missed you and Billy had started up the shore when we heard your cry!"
"And it didn't take that dog two seconds to get out to you! Just say he isn't human!"
"I thought it was Daddy," Keineth whispered.
"What, dear?" Barbara had not caught the words. "You must keep very quiet, Ken. And Billy's had his first aid case!"
Pete clapped Billy on the shoulder. "Wal, I jes' calculate now that it was them gim-cracks Billy here put you through, missy, that brung you to!"
"I always wondered if I could do it," Billy said with pardonable pride, "and, say, that'll mean a medal from the troop!"
Alice had run home to tell Mrs. Lee of the accident. Together they had hurried down to the beach. With Pete's help they lifted Keineth to the gravel wagon and, like a triumphal procession, moved slowly homeward. Mrs. Lee immediately tucked Keineth into bed with hot water bottles and blankets to check the chill that was creeping over her.