"But he didn't plunge in. I watched him, and he just waded out, Frank."
"So much the worse, then, for in that way one drives the warm blood up from the extremities suddenly, and there is always more danger of cramps. Always take a header into the water first. It's the safest way. Hi, Bluff!" he called, elevating his voice.
"Hello! What do you want, Frank?" asked the swimmer, who was spurting water out some twenty yards from the shore, and seemingly enjoying himself hugely.
"I wouldn't go out any further. I don't believe it's safe," called Frank.
"Oh, bosh! There isn't any ghost out here. I'll guarantee to drown the first one that bobs up. Give you my word on it."
He vanished under the water, and presently came up again, snorting and puffing.
"How deep?" demanded Will, who was also watching, as if in doubt whether to go in or not.
"Ten feet or so out here. Looks like it might be a hundred out in the middle. Gee! but it's cold, fellows! Like you were taking a turn in an ice bath."
"Better come in closer," advised Frank uneasily.
"Will soon," grunted Bluff, who could be stubborn when he liked.