But the swimmer was undaunted. Indeed, he seemed to welcome the current as an assistant, for he redoubled his efforts, and with his strong strokes and the speed of the water he fairly shot along.
Could he stay afloat in that terrible mill-race? Was it possible to battle the undertow? How soon would he be sucked under or caught in a cross-current and hurled violently against the jagged rocks of the reef? Jack and Mr. Warner stood there thoroughly awed at the swimmer’s daring, while O’Brien and several other men in the camp watched in open-mouthed amazement.
In the meantime, the yawl had come up into the wind and at a dead stop. Then an attempt was made to launch the big dory from the stern davits. It dropped to the water like a plummet and almost before it touched the surface three men leapt into it. But no sooner were they in than they started to scramble out again, for the little craft was sinking fast. Evidently the swimmer had removed the plug before he attempted his escape, thus cutting off one possibility of being overtaken.
But in spite of the dangers of the current, the lad in the water progressed famously. In no time he had battled his way safely through the opening. Then swimming madly he sped on toward the rock lined shore! On he came! The water fairly boiled about him and each powerful stroke brought him nearer to the island.
“Bully!” shouted Mr. Warner excitedly, as he watched the boy’s progress.
“Great! Oh, if he’ll only keep it up a little longer. They are scurrying around looking for a dory plug on board the yawl. I hope he wins, though I don’t know what he’s running away from,” cried Jack eagerly.
But the tremendous pace soon began to tell on the swimmer. His strokes grew less powerful and it was evident that he was getting arm weary. Once he stopped and looked back toward the yawl, and seeing no one in pursuit he turned on his side and swam with a still slower stroke.
The last few yards of the race were made with evident effort, for the swimmer was completely fagged. Indeed, when he finally pulled himself out of the water, he sank down behind a rock and rested for several minutes before attempting to climb between the boulders toward the beach.
On reaching the sand he paused as if undecided where to go. Then after a moment he selected the path that led up to the promontory, and slowly made his way toward the construction camp.
“Jiminy, but that was thrilling. Prettiest bit of swimming I ever saw!” exclaimed Mr. Warner when the suspense was over.