He never could explain afterward just how it happened that he found himself around the bend of the quarry and sweeping with the wind toward its farther end. He had not actually formulated the intention of slipping away from the others and invading this forbidden spot. Nevertheless, there he was alone in the tiny cove with no one in sight. What followed was all over in a moment,--the breaking ice and the plunge into the frigid water. The next he knew he was fighting with all his strength to prevent himself from being drawn beneath the jagged, crumbling edge of the hole. To clamber out was impossible, for every time he tried the thin ice would break afresh under his hands and submerge him again in the bitter cold of the moving stream. Over and over he tried to pull himself to safety but without success. Then suddenly he felt himself becoming numb and helpless. His teeth chattered and he could no longer retain his hold on the frail support that was keeping his head above water. He was slipping back into the river. _He was not going to be able to get out!_ With a piercing scream he made one last desperate lunge forward, and again the ice that held him broke and the water dashed over his ears and mouth. When he next opened his eyes it was to find himself in his own bed with a confusion of faces bending over him. "There!" he heard some one say in a very small, far-away voice. "He is coming to himself now, thank God! It was chiefly cold and fright. He is safe now, Tolman. Don't you worry! You'd better go and get off some of your wet clothing, or you will catch your death." Mr. Ackerman was speaking. "Yes, Henry, do go!" pleaded his wife. [Illustration: He was fighting to prevent himself from being drawn beneath the jagged, crumbling edge of the hole. Page 244.] As Stephen looked about him in the vague, groping uncertainty of returning consciousness his glance fell upon his father who stood beside his pillow, shivering nervously. He put out his hand and touched the dripping coat sleeve. "What--" began he weakly. Then with a rush it all came back to him and everything was clear. He had been drowning and his father had plunged into the water to save him! A sob rose in his throat and he caught the elder man's hand between both of his. "Oh, Dad," he exclaimed, "I've been so rotten to you--so mean--so cowardly. I'm ashamed to--" "Don't talk about it now, son. I know." "You know what I did?" "Yes." "But--" the boy paused bewildered. "Don't talk any more about it now, Stevie," pleaded his mother. "But I've got to know," said the lad. "Can't you see that--" "Let me talk with him alone a moment," suggested Mr. Tolman in an undertone. "He is all upset and he won't calm down until he has this thing off his mind. Leave me here with him a little while. I'll promise that he does not tire himself." The doctor, Mr. Ackerman and Mrs. Tolman moved across the room toward the window.