"He sinks again!" cried Tony, throwing off his jacket and shoes.
Before any of the crew could fully understand his purpose, so quick were his movements, he dived from the bow of the boat deep down into the water.
The boys held their breath in the intensity of their feelings. One or two of them had dropped their oars, and were leaving their places.
"Keep your places, and hold on to your oars!" said Frank sternly. "Ned Graham, take the other boat-hook."
"Back her a little—one stroke," said Fred Harper. "We are passing over the spot."
Frank ordered the boat back, as desired.
"Here they rise! Tony has him!" exclaimed Fred, as he hooked into Tim's clothes. "Grasp the other boat-hook, Tony."
Tim was drawn into the boat, apparently dead.
Tony was so exhausted that he could not speak, and sank into the bottom of the boat.
"Give way!" said Frank, heading the Zephyr towards Rippleton.