They had no means of estimating the passing of the time. Occasionally they glanced toward the sky into which the sun was steadily mounting, but they were neither in a condition to reflect calmly and so were unable to decide whether they had been in the water an hour or longer. To their delight the skiff seemed to be easily able to hold them up in the water. Occasionally Fred let go his hold and swam about in the water to 'start his circulation once more.' Both were becoming chilled, although it was not yet midday. At last the sun reached the zenith and slowly began its descent. The boys now were silent, for conversation had ceased long before this time. Each was watching the other, fearful that the strength of his friend was giving out. In such an event he was aware that he would be unable to render any positive assistance, as his own strength was steadily departing. "Look yonder," said Fred in a low voice when another hour had elapsed. As he spoke he glanced behind him and John quickly looked in the direction he indicated. Not very far distant was a lake boat which apparently was passing far out of the usual course of the steamers. "Do you suppose," inquired Fred, "if we should shout together we might make them hear?" "We can try it," answered John. Accordingly both boys united in a loud and prolonged call. For a time it seemed to both of them that their efforts were unavailing. The ungainly boat was so far away that it was well-nigh impossible for either to determine whether or not it had veered slightly in its course. Convinced that their cry had not been heard both again lapsed into silence though each was still eagerly watching the movements of the distant vessel. Several minutes had passed when John said eagerly, "Fred, I believe that boat is coming this way." For a moment Fred was silent as he peered still more eagerly at the lake boat. "I don't see it," he said disconsolately. "I cannot find that she's any nearer than she was." "Well, I think it is," affirmed John sturdily. "Hang on and we'll see if she doesn't come to us." John's confident statement, however, was not fulfilled. As if it was unmindful of the peril or the presence of the two boys in their plight, the boat continued steadily on its way until it disappeared from sight. Neither of the boys spoke, but their feeling of depression was steadily deepening. "There's a loaded boat coming from the other direction," said John after another hour had elapsed. "That's out of its course, too. Let's try it again." As soon as Fred had looked eagerly in the direction indicated by John he saw another lake boat standing high in the water and evidently bound northward. It was plain that it was not loaded as heavily as the boat which had disappeared in the opposite direction and it also was moving much more rapidly. "Let's try another yell," suggested John when at last the boat was on a line parallel with their own.