Frank was already hurling off some of his clothes. His shoes flew, one to the right and the other to the left, as though torn from his feet.
"What can we do, Frank?" cried Will, standing there.
"Form a chain, and wade in as far as you can stand; no further. Leave the rest to me," Frank answered.
Even as he was saying the last word he ran straight for the bank of the lake. The other boys, watching in stunned surprise, saw him give one leap from the shore, strike the water, and vanish from view.
"Quick, fellows! We must do what he said!" cried Jerry, tearing off his shoes and wading in, without thinking of removing his clothes.
CHAPTER XVII
THE NEWS ADOLPHUS BROUGHT
When Frank reappeared on the surface he was a third of the way out to where his chum was struggling so desperately in the water.
With powerful strokes he swam swiftly onward. Bluff saw him coming, and stretched out his hands appealingly, as though he realized now the peril he was in.