West hesitated an instant only, then followed suit.
"Yes." Off went the last shoe, and Joel ran into the water.

West, pale of face, but with a determined look in his blue eyes, followed a moment later, a yard or two behind, and the two set out with desperate strokes to reach the scene of the disaster.

As he had taken the water Joel had cast a hurried glance toward the spot where Clausen had sunk, and had seen nothing of that youth; only Cloud was in sight, and he seemed to be swimming hurriedly toward shore.
Joel went at the task hand over hand and heard behind him West, laboring greatly at his swimming.

Presently Joel heard his name cried in an exhausted voice.
"I--can't make--it--Joel!" shouted West.

"I'll--have to--turn--back." "All right," Joel called.