"Why did he turn that way?" said George. "It is nearer to the village to the left." They could not tell; and the minutes seemed hours till the canoe could come round to them again. When he was seen returning, a shout of joy broke from them, for they had not expected him so soon. "There is a large rock just round there," he said, as he came near, and they placed poor Alice beside him. He was off again in a moment, and still the water kept on steadily rising. It was now to their middles. "He cannot rescue us all," said George bravely; "you girls must go first." "We will keep to ages, George," said Nellie firmly, "at least as far as I am concerned, till it comes to my turn, and then I should like Hope to go first. Let us have no confusion or dispute." "Why should I go first?" asked Hope, looking imploringly at her. "Because I am sure of going 'there,'" said Nellie; "and oh, Hope, I don't mind!" As they stood now by the rocks, the swell rippled against them, and almost took them off their feet. They held each others' hands; but it began to be apparent that all could not be saved. "Now, George," said Hope, when the canoe was seen returning; "Nellie is quite right; you go at once." "I say!" called the young man, "I'm afraid I dare not take you tall ones on my boat! I had great work with the last when we got into the waves at the corner, and an upset would be very serious. But if you could take hold of the sternpost, it would keep you up perfectly, and it is not far." He looked anxiously in their faces, fearing this would be considered sad news. "I can swim a little," said George; "I think I might hold on to your rope, and then Maude could hold on to the stern. You would be back quicker for the others by taking two." "All right," answered he, throwing his painter to him, and coming close to Maude, showed her where to hold; "just let yourself float easily," he added, "but hold firmly; don't be frightened." "Keep up a brave heart," he said to the two who were left behind; "I will come as soon as ever I can." "We are sure of that," said Nellie gratefully; "thank you if we never—" "I say!" he shouted back, "can you two float?" "Yes," shouted Hope in return. "Then float, and don't lose your presence of mind; you will be saved, I hope!" "I am off my feet," said Nellie hurriedly, holding tighter to Hope's arm. "Have you courage to try to float?" said Hope; "for I too shall be out of my depth soon." "Good-bye, then, dear Hope," said Nellie, giving her a kiss. "Look to Jesus; He knows and cares." She spread her arms and fell backwards, committing herself not only to the deep, but to His care who she knew was "a very present help in time of trouble." At first her agony was lest her courage should not hold out. Just floating for a few moments with a sandy shore two or three feet beneath was a very different feeling from floating on the wide ocean, drifting, it might be, out to sea.