“You were headed out to sea when I—when we got to you,” said Toby dryly. “Feel strong enough to get some clothes on if we help you?”
“Of course. I’m all right now.” To prove it he swung his legs from the seat and sat up a trifle unsteadily—and was instantly very sick at his stomach. But after the nausea had passed the color came back to his cheeks and he managed to get into his clothes with very little help from Frank. “I suppose I’d have drowned if you fellows hadn’t come along when you did,” he said presently. “I guess I was just about all in.”
“Yes, you were,” agreed Toby. “You had me scared good and plenty.”
“Me, too,” said Frank. “Toby beat me to you by a long ways. I swam as hard as I knew how, too. He fairly flew through the water. He had you alongside the launch here when I came up.”
“Thanks.” Arnold looked briefly at Toby and then gave all his attention to a shoe lace. “I don’t know,” he grunted, pulling with unnecessary violence at the lace, “how you thank a fellow for—saving your life, but—I guess you fellows understand——”
“Of course you’ll bust the lace if you pull at it like that,” said Toby indignantly. “What do you think it is? An anchor cable?”
Arnold laughed, relieved. “Anyway, I hope I’ll be able to do something for you some time——”
“You can do it right now,” interrupted Toby gruffly. “You can shut up!”