Miss Mackin was watching the swimmers and she quickly observed those most proficient.
“Madaline, don’t go outside the float,” she cautioned. “That’s a pretty good swim for a little girl, I think.”
The smallest Bobbie turned to obey when those nearest her saw her give a sudden jerk and then she screamed!
“Oh, something has got me! Quick!”
Miss Mackin only had to put her hand out to reach the frightened child, but Madaline’s face showed pain and the director could not at once seem to assist her.
“My foot! Something’s got my foot!” she cried.
“A crab!” exclaimed Grace, swimming quickly to Madaline’s aid.
“Not in the lake!” protested Cleo.
By this time Miss Mackin had succeeded in freeing the very much frightened little Scout, and she was now leading her ashore. Madaline had drawn her foot between two rocks that came together so closely they formed a very formidable trap, and the only way a victim could get out was to back out of the wider end of the opening. There were rocks only on the lake bottom near shore, and most bathers soon became familiar with their location.
As if that trifling incident opened the way for further “frowns of Fate” the girls in the water presently had reason to scamper.