But the only thought that possessed him was that Steve was in trouble out there, perhaps drowning, and that he must get to him.

The water splashed into his eyes and blinded him, for Tom was not an adept swimmer, and not once could he so much as sight Steve.

Neither was the appeal for help repeated and Tom's heart sank.

Behind him, as he was dimly aware, others were following, and he wished they would hurry.

Once, when he was opposite the points, he tried to call, but his lungs were too tired to respond in more than a whisper.