But the afternoon came, and the wild boy was still in the water, too deeply interested in the navigation of a plank to realize that he was playing "hookey" and risking its shady consequences.

About two o'clock he heard loud cries from the St.Clair Street bridge.
Looking up, he saw an excited crowd gathering.

The object of their excitement was a little boy who had waded out on a shallow bar above the bridge until he had stumbled into deep water and was being carried away by the strong current.

Paul caught one glimpse of him as he disappeared and springing from his plank he swam out with a strong, steady stroke to his assistance.

The crowd on the bridge shouted loud cries of encouragement.