Directly her head bobbed up again some distance off, but swimming quickly toward her, Beresford grasped her where she lay easily floating on the water, not having realized in his excitement that she had been swimming furtively under the water, leading him a race for the fun of the thing, for she was not in the least danger. Grasping her tightly, he said in hoarse tones, broken with joyful emotion: “Thank Heaven, I reached you before you sunk again! It was a terrible thing you attempted, but I shall save you in spite of yourself.” Floy laughed softly, and answered in a meek little voice: “Oh, I’m sorry now that I did it. I don’t believe I want to die after all!” “That is right,” he cried, heartily. “Now, be calm, and I will take you safely to the shore. Put your hands on my shoulder easily, like this,” placing them. “Be cool, and don’t get frightened and clutch at me--above all, don’t clasp my neck, for the current is very deep and strong, and you must not impede my motions. Do you understand?” “Oh, yes; and I’ll do as you say. I--I should have liked to hold you around the neck, but if you object to it so seriously, I won’t.” Was there a tone of exquisite raillery in the girl’s voice? He looked suspiciously into her face, and saw veiled mischief in the clear blue eyes. She was not frightened--not in the least. “Thank you,” he returned, coolly, but with a fast-beating heart. “I am sure the experience would be delightful; and if you like to try it after we are safe on land, I shall be most happy.” “I hate you!” pouted Floy, and letting her hands slip, sunk again below the surface. Terribly alarmed, he dived and brought her safely to the surface once more, saying, sternly: “Do not be so careless again, or you may lose your life.” To his amazement, she laughed mockingly. “Swim on and I’ll keep by your side. Don’t be alarmed over me, for I’ve been doing all this for a purpose. I can swim like a fish.” And, to his wonder and chagrin, for he felt himself grow hot even in the cold water with the thought that he had suddenly been turned from a conquering hero into an object of ridicule, Fly-away Floy, the merry little madcap, swam along by his side as easily and gracefully as a beautiful mermaid, until they reached the bank, when he gave her his hand to assist her, and they came again upon _terra firma_, greeted by admiring cheers from the onlookers. While they were in the water, Otho had hurried to Maybelle, and whispered, hoarsely: “Why didn’t you hold him tighter, you little fool? If you could have kept him from going to her assistance a short time, she would have been drowned and out of your way.” “I knew it, and I tried to keep him back, but he shook me off in a rage, and I--I’m sure he even swore at me under his breath,” whimpered Maybelle, despairingly. “Very likely,” grumbled Otho; and then he turned from her to watch Beresford’s progress, and saw to his amazement the man and girl clambering up the bank.