"There, put your hands on my shoulders! That's right, and you are as serene as a May morn; so all will be well;" and the swimmer struck out for the bank, and at last caught the bough of an overhanging tree.
It blistered his hands to hold on; but he did so, and the hunter, who was perfectly self-possessed, also grasped the tree, and both clambered up the bank.
"I owe you my life, my man, and you have but to name your price," said the sportsman.
"Thank you, stranger, but I am not a professional life-saver, and money would not have tempted me to have gone to the aid of one who could not swim."
"But come, I was on my way to Miller Raymond's, and I can make bold to take you there, as I'm about one of the family, I may say, for I soon will be."
"The miller will send you over to the inn in his spring waggon, for I guess you're the city gentleman I heard was stopping there."
The sportsman saw that his bold rescuer, evidently a farmer, was one who had pride, and merited the treatment of a gentleman.
"I beg pardon for offering you money, but it could never repay the service, so we'll be friends.
"My name is Schuyler Cluett, and that I appreciate your saving my life you must know."
The young farmer, for such he was, grasped the outstretched hand, and said: