THE WATER GATE
While they eagerly watched, the solitary figure on the big rock in the midst of that sinister pool again moved slightly, and as it became partly erect it was seen to be Nort Shannon.
"We've found him! We've found him!" joyfully cried Dick.
"An' alive, too, if I'm any judge," added Billee.
Dick was stripping off his coat, when Bud placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Wait a minute," advised the western lad.
"But I'm going to get him!" objected the brother. "I'm going to save Nort!"
"Maybe it isn't safe, and we may be able to save him in another way," suggested Bud. "I say, Nort," he called. "Are you hurt?"
How eagerly they all waited for the answer, after the echo of Bud's voice had ceased reverberating in the big cave!
"Yes—I—I'm all right," came the faint answer across the silent pool. "I don't know exactly how I got here. Something hit me on the head—after I fell—fell in. I reckon I must have floated near this rock and—and just naturally grabbed hold and—pulled myself—up!"