There was a splash and a choking exclamation. The plank had turned turtle, landing Bob in the water on his back. The boy was almost exhausted, but he righted himself and swam to the raft, to which he held for a moment to rest himself. He then clambered to the raft. He had barely enough strength left to support himself. The superintendent was tying Steve in the sling that the men had made. "Haul away, above there!" he roared. "Be as quick as you can, but be careful. Look out, there! What are you trying to do?" Steve's body had hit the rocks with a resounding bump, but the boy did not feel the shock. "Let the sling down at once. Two of you get at Rush and rub him. Don't be afraid of rubbing too hard. Start his circulation." The sling was dropped over the side again, while two of the miners set to work on Steve. "Get in," commanded Mr. Penton, as the sling came down to them. "You first, sir," said Bob. "Get in, I said!" The superintendent's voice had a note of authority that was not to be disputed. Jarvis reluctantly took his place in the sling. "Haul away," he called, and Bob was quickly drawn to the platform, where he dropped on his knees by Steve's side, pushing one of the men away, and began slapping the unconscious boy's feet, from which the boots and stockings had been removed. Steve was scarcely breathing. The sling had been lowered quickly after bringing Jarvis up, and the superintendent took his place in it. The men began hauling him up, but with great difficulty, for Mr. Penton was a heavily built man. All at once the men sat down. A splash followed almost instantly. "The rope's broken!" cried one, as Bob bounded to his feet. "Are you hurt?" he cried, running to the edge. There was no reply. "He's fallen into the water!" shouted another of the men. Once more Bob Jarvis leaped from the platform, but this time he dived head first. Like a flash he realized that, having struck the platform, Mr. Penton undoubtedly had been stunned and was unable to help himself. Such was the case. Coming to the surface almost at once, Bob swam about for a minute or so before discovering Mr. Penton's whereabouts. The superintendent was beginning to struggle, but he was too much dazed to help himself. Jarvis was by his side with a few swift strokes. He did not wait to inquire whether the superintendent were hurt or not, but, grabbing the man by the collar, Bob began kicking himself toward the platform. By the time they had reached there Mr. Penton was able to help himself a little, but the boy had a hard tussle to get the superintendent on the platform. Mr. Penton lay down for a brief moment, then sat up. "Are you able to try it again?" asked Bob. "Yes. What happened?" "The rope broke. You got a pretty hard bump." Another sling had been quickly rigged, and this being let down, Mr. Penton was drawn up again, Bob waiting below, but standing to one side, so that in case another accident occurred he should not be carried down, too.