But fast failing strength, the helpless condition of Tommy Clifton, and the hiss and splash of the water all around soon aroused him to a sense of present duty.
"Help, help!" he cried, hoping that perhaps "Little Bill" and "Surly Joe" might be within hearing.
He was just abreast of the narrow entrance to the passageway at the foot of Hemlock Island.
Presently Dick Travers repeated the call; then he half closed his eyes, and, with set mouth and contracted brow, renewed the battle.
Suddenly a shout reached his ears.
Dick Travers' heart bounded with hope.
"Keep up—we'll be there in a jiffy," were the words that floated over the air.
Dick's senses were becoming benumbed; from which direction the sound came he could not tell, but his plight had been discovered—that was enough—and again came the encouraging cry, "Keep up!"
He summoned all his fleeting strength, but it was not sufficient to enable him to raise himself above the waste of gray water.
Then a dark form suddenly appeared from the direction of Hemlock Island, and he saw a boat headed straight toward them.