All he said was: "And think of you rescuing me, Tom! Why, you aren't any sort of a swimmer! But it certainly was mighty pluck----" Tom pointed a fork at Steve and interrupted indignantly.

It was necessary to head Steve off from further expressions of gratitude.

"I like your cheek!" said Tom.

"Can't swim! How do you suppose I got out there to you, you silly chump?
You didn't see any water-wings or life-preservers floating around, did you?
Or do you think I walked?
Can't swim! Well, of all the----" "You know what I mean, Tom.

I meant you couldn't swim--er--well, that you weren't a wonder at it!" "Huh!" grunted Tom.