"Yes," he answered, "you struck the rocks."
"I must have been dozing," she replied. "I remember waking and seeing water pouring into the canoe, and the next moment I was in the river. You saw me, I suppose?"
Stane nodded. "I was sitting here and saw the canoe coming down the river. I thought it was empty until it struck the rocks and you suddenly sat up."
"And then you came after me?"
"Yes," he answered lightly.
Her grey eyes looked at him carefully, noted his dripping clothes and dank hair, and then with sudden comprehension asked: "How did you get me? Did you do it with your canoe or——"
"The canoe wouldn't have been any use," he interrupted brusquely. "It would have upset if I had tried to get you out of the water into it."
"Then you swam for me?" persisted the girl.
"Had to," he answered carelessly. "Couldn't let you drown before my eyes—even if I am a convict!"
Helen Yardely flushed a little. "I do not think you need mention that again. I am very grateful to a brave man."