“Oh, it’s deep there!” called Ned. “Let’s get to her.”
Tavia paddled quickly, and soon reached the spot where Jean was holding on to the upturned canoe.
“Don’t be afraid,” Tavia called to the one in the water. “It can’t sink.”
“But I can,” came the frightened reply. “Oh, do help me in!”
“We couldn’t get the water out of it,” answered Tavia. “It isn’t far to shore. Can you swim any?”
“A little!” gasped Jean.
“Then just get a hold of our canoe and keep exactly in line with us. In that way we can tow you to shore.”
Frightened as Jean was, she was still more afraid to be trailed through the water. But when both girls assured her that there was no other way, as she could not get her canoe righted, neither could she get in with them, she finally consented to the plan.
It took some skill to guide the canoe just right, but Ned balanced the craft while Tavia paddled straight and directly for shore.
Indeed, the proud girl was a sorry sight when she was landed, and scarcely thanking the rescuers, she dashed across the fields for her room in Glenwood Hall.