In another moment he obtained a grip on himself, and struck out for the boat landing, where Karl was by this time being helped out.
It was with difficulty that Stanley swam the short distance. He had received a nasty knock as he broke away from the car under water, and it had weakened him. Moreover, he had the weight of the girl he was bringing to shore. She was unable to help herself. All she could do was to lie prone on his arm, her brown hair rippling over the water, and one small gauntleted hand resting on his shoulder and against his cheek.
CHAPTER II. Stanley’s Mission.
“I THINK I can walk,” were the first words she spoke, as they were dragged out of the water.
“I don’t think you can,” returned Stanley Downs positively. “I will carry you.”
He did so. There were half a dozen stone steps from the wooden boat landing to the top of the wall. From there, it was a trip of some five hundred feet to the veranda of the hotel, which faced the broad lake and the magnificent vista of mountain, where the verdure-clad slopes were bursting into the fresh green beauty of spring.
Stanley had recovered most of his strength by the time he was pulled from the water. Besides, he rather liked the task of carrying this dainty young woman, whose independence of spirit had manifested itself with the first glimmer of returning consciousness.
“Won’t you put me down, please?” she asked, with a touch of imperiousness.
“Couldn’t do it,” answered Stanley, as he hurried toward the veranda. “You would fall.”