But desperately as he clutched at the grass and ground, it was of no use. They were both wet, for Bert had splashed water around when he was working to fix his wheel in place, and farther and farther down the slope he slid.
“Oh, he’ll be drowned!” yelled Flossie, as she saw what was going to happen.
“No, I won’t drown!” called Bert, in reply. “But I’m going to get wet! Here I go!” he shouted, and then into the pool he plunged, going in over his head, for the falling water had washed out quite a hollow place.
“I’ll get him! I’ll help him out!” cried Freddie, making a dash toward his brother.
“You stay right where you are, Freddie Bobbsey!” insisted Nan, catching the little fellow before he could reach the edge of the brook. “Bert can look out for himself, and we don’t want two in the water at the same time. Keep back!”
Freddie had to obey, whether he wanted to or not. But there was really no need of his help in getting Bert out, for the older lad could take good care of himself in the water.
He held his breath as he felt himself going under, and then, as he came up, as one always does after the first plunge in, he shook his head, to clear his eyes of water, and struck out for the bank, only a short distance away.
“Are you all right?” asked Nan, as he climbed out, dripping water all over like a big dog that has gone in to bring back a stick.
“Sure, I’m all right,” said Bert, gasping a bit, for he had swallowed a little water. “Not hurt a bit. Only my clothes will need drying.”
“I should say they would!” laughed Nan. “If you had your fan going now you could start it and stand in front of it. Wind dries clothes very fast.”