At length, by dint of grim determination, Jack got Frank within ten yards of the shore, and then, feeling as though any further effort on his part were impossible, he gave him a big push forward, saying,— "Now then, Frank, do the rest yourself." With a muffled, half-finished cry of "For heaven’s sake, Jack!" poor Frank, utterly helpless, went under, half turning over on his back as he did so. Not for a moment did Jack hesitate. Weak and chilled as he was, the sight of his playmate’s peril nerved him to fresh exertions, and summoning all his energies for one supreme final effort, he grasped Frank’s shoulder once more, and with desperate spasmodic strokes fought his way through the water. Never will he forget that wrestle with death. Frank, fortunately, still keeping collected and quiet, could get but an occasional breath, for now nearly his whole face was submerged, and Jack himself seemed to be swimming in some dense fluid that stubbornly opposed the movements of his arms. But foot by foot he struggled on, until at length, just when every atom of strength and hope seemed exhausted, he saw below him the dark, seaweed-covered rock, and putting down his foot, found solid bottom beneath him. "Thank the merciful Father, we’re saved, Frank!" he cried, half sobbingly, as he drew his companion up on to the rock. "God bless you, Jack! you’ve saved my life," replied Frank, with a fervour that showed how clearly he understood the magnitude of the peril through which he had passed. "Yes, Jack, you’ve saved my life, and some day I’ll show you how grateful I am." "Oh, that’s all right!" said Jack. "You’d do the same for me if you had the chance." "I hope I won’t have the chance, all the same," answered Frank, "for perhaps I wouldn’t keep as cool as you did; and then where would we be?" Half-an-hour’s basking in the hot sun took all the cramp out of the boys’ bodies, and they went back home, not a whit the worse for their experience, and a good deal wiser. They kept the matter to themselves, prudently thinking it would only alarm their parents if it came to their ears, and perhaps make them worry, while really there was no occasion for further anxiety. The following Saturday afternoon was the time fixed for the swimming race, and the two friends practised diligently, determined that the sovereign should fall to one of them at all events, or perhaps be divided between them if they came out a tie. The eagerly-anticipated day dawned sunnily, and proved as fine, bright, and warm as heart could wish. A great deal of interest was felt in the swimming race, for at least six boys had entered for it, and in the afternoon the Arm, at the place where the swimming would take place, was dotted over with boats, containing the fathers, mothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, and friends of the different contestants.