When it was finally accomplished, the little cadet lay like one dead.
Clif, by a hasty examination, found that his heart was still beating, however. He applied water to the poor bruised face, and tried every means in his power to revive the lad. He worked with infinite tenderness, as he had great sympathy and affection for little Nanny.
At last the boy gasped and opened his eyes. He was still dazed, and he stared at those about him in a strangely terrified manner.
There was fear in his eyes and his actions—a deadly and unexplainable fear. Placing his arms before his face as if warding off a blow, he moaned:
“Please don’t throw me off, Judson. I’ll only hold to the edge. Don’t—don’t! Have mercy! I—I—don’t want to die. Mercy! mercy!”
CHAPTER XVII. A WELCOME FIND.
“Judson Greene, what is the meaning of this?”
Stern and accusing Clif faced the boy cowering at the bottom of the launch. Judson’s face was white and he showed every evidence of guilt.