"It's a terrible thing," he jerked. "First time there has been a wreck hereabouts. It's hopeless trying to launch a boat——"
"Suppose a fellow were to swim out to the wreck with a life-line in tow?"
It was young Cargill who spoke.
The Colonel glared at him contemptuously.
"He would need to be a pretty fine swimmer," he returned.
"I don't want to blow my own trumpet, but I am considered to be one of the best amateur swimmers in the country," replied Cargill calmly. "If you will tell your men to get the line ready, I will borrow a bathing suit from somewhere."
They both stared at him in amazement.
"But you are still an invalid," cried Betty Lardner. "You——"
She stopped short and regarded him with fresh wonder. Somehow he no longer looked an invalid.
Mechanically she walked by his side to the little bathing office. Suddenly she clutched his arm.