Then he let the hand fall that he might better attend to his work.
For a few moments they floated there.

The nearest of the sailing cutters was now nearing the victims of the wreck.
The boat, however, would reach Darrin last of all.
While Darrin watched Farley and three others clambering aboard the rescuing boat, the young crew captain trod water, supporting Page at the same time.
Then Page opened his eyes, as though returning from a faint, rather than reviving from a partial drowning.
"Hold me tight!" gasped Page, almost in a whisper.

"I'm a fearfully poor swimmer." "I know," nodded Dave, "but I've got you, and I never let go of a good thing." Darrin's heart throbbed gratefully.

All of the boat crew were accounted for; not a man of his command lost.
Further off he could see Mr.Salisbury and the engineer of the foundered power boat, each held up by a life-preserve.
But, though all of the wrecked middies were afloat, they were as yet by no means safe.

Some were so helpless that every man who could keep himself afloat and help another was thus engaged.
Dave, after his strong exertions, found himself rapidly "playing out." If help did not soon reach him he felt that he would be exhausted.
"Can't you help yourself a little more, Mr.Page ?" he asked.
Unnoticed by Darrin, Midshipman Page had been slowly relapsing into unconsciousness.