The call of the boys was hoarse and not so loud as the one in which they had united in their former effort. After several attempts the boys waited breathlessly, while in an anxiety they could not express they watched the ungainly craft as it sped over the lake. "John," called Fred suddenly, "I believe that tub is changing its course and is coming in our direction." John made no response, but when a few moments had elapsed it was plain that for some reason the boat had veered in its course and swinging to the right was plainly coming nearer to the place where the boys were clinging to the skiff. On and still on came the noisy steamer until the strokes of its blades in the water could be distinctly heard. Several times the boys united in shouts, but at last it was plainly manifest that their signal of distress had been discovered and that the lake boat had turned to rescue the victims of the sinking skiff. Not long afterward a yawl was lowered from the boat and two men took their places at the oars. With strong and steady sweeps they drew near the boys and not many minutes afterward quickly dragged both on board the yawl. The reaction had come to both John and Fred and neither was able to sit erect. Their teeth were chattering as if both were suffering from an ague. Indeed, neither boy was fully aware of the events which were occurring until at last they were somehow brought on board the lake boat. There were willing hands to assist them there and speedily they were taken below, where their wet clothing was removed and after a thorough rub-down by rough but friendly hands they were placed in bunks and covered with blankets. CHAPTER XVII THE RESCUE OF THE GADABOUT Meanwhile on the _Gadabout_ George and Grant were having experiences that by no means added to their peace of mind. For a time they had waited with such patience as they could command for the return of their friends. But when the minutes became hours and there still was no sign of the coming of Fred and John both boys began to be anxious. The little _Gadabout_ had been steadily drifting with the slowly moving current and in the dim light it was no longer possible to discern the outline of the shore which Fred and John had been seeking. The feeling of uneasiness steadily increased. "What do you suppose has happened to those boys?" inquired Grant of his friend. "I don't believe anything has happened to them," replied George. "I think that's just the trouble. They haven't found the shore, or any one to help." "Well, then why don't they come back?" "I can't tell you. You know as much about that as I do." "Well, I'm afraid they're lost," said Grant disconsolately.