Wild with fear he struck out savagely, and in the act drove plump against some hard object.
The sudden shock sent him under the surface once more. When he emerged gasping and half stunned, he heard the sound of a familiar voice nearby in the darkness.
“Come up higher, Trolley, the boat can stand it. That’s it; give me your hand. Steady, steady, ah-h!”
“It’s Joy, and he has found help,” hopefully muttered Clif.
He swam in the direction whence the words had come, and speedily reached what proved to be the launch, floating capsized at the mercy of the waves.
Upon the upturned bottom were two dark smudges just visible against the black background of the night.
Grasping the end of the keel, Clif drew himself up and sat panting upon the bottom planks.
“Who is that?” called out Joy.
“It’s what is left of me,” replied Clif.
“Hurray, it’s Faraday!” shouted the Japanese youth. “Hurray, Clif, me glad you saved. Shake!”