The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-02-14
THE ROANOKE TINES WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY -

periority in swimming before the rest
of the boys. The latter raised cheer
as they saw Metcalfe striking for the
land again, holding the hat in his hand.
Then they saw Metcalfo stop suddenly.
Tho arm that held the hat dropped and
disappeared below the water.
Grierson, now swimming a yard or
two behind MIctcalfe, gave a few vigor-
Gus strokes which brought him along
side tho latter. But before he could
stretch out hand to prevent it Met
calfo's head went under. Grierson
dived at almost tho same moment. The
boys i'll and around tho boat held their
breath.
Something's wrong with Douglas.
He's taken cramp or something"
George Marchant said.
A minute went by, and they saw the
heads of both boys reappear, yard or
two further out. Grierson was sup
porting Metcalfe with his right arm.
I've cramp in my right leg and
arm, Metcalfe said in hoarse, low
voice. I'm afraid can t swim stroke
farther myself
All right, try to tread water with
your other leg; it will help little.
We'll be all right when we are once out
of this current" Grierson replied quiet
ly.
Yet Grierson knew that his task was
not going to prove an easy one. For n
few minutes he made little or no head
way. Metcalfo hung upon his arm al
most like dead weight. Douglas was
doing his utmost to help himself, but
it awaited very little, for, besides the
cramp which had attacked him, no was
exhausted by his efforts at first to over
take and outstrip Grierson.
Grierson struggled on, his burden
impeding every stroke he made and
lessening its effect. The boy felt his
own strength ebbing fast. Unless he
got out of the current in few minutes
more, he feared that all would DO lost.
But he was making progress and could
sec that the distance between the boat
and himself was lesscning.
" y minute more, and we shall DO in
smooth water. he whispered hoarscly
to Metcalfc.
AS he spoke Grierson changed Met
calfc from his left arm to his right and
used the left for swimming. This gave
him considerable case and rest and his
next few strokes were frocr and more
vigorous. And now he felt the current
decidedly lcsscning i'll force He sum
moncd up all his remaining energy in
one last effort, and half dozen more
strokes brought him free of the current.
The two boys were in calm water,
and now. too. they were met by George
Marchant and Frank Newlyn, who re-
hcved Grierson of his burden and took
Metcalfc between them. In this order
they reached the boat There were
many outstretchcd arms To help them
i'll, and then the boat was lowed to the
shore.
DR.. Mctcalfc, the principal of Den
mark House and Douglas father, was
not little alarmed at what had hap
pened, though he did not show it. Both
boys were Immediately got to bed, and
prompt measures taken to restore
warmth and circulation to their chilled
and aching bodies. These had the de-
sired effect; in n day or two both Grier-
son and Metcalfe wero back in class and
playground.
Tho latter took an early opportunity
of seeking Grierson alone.
II have to thank You very much,
Grierson," he said. You saved my
life at the risk of your own; there's no
doubt about that. And the whole thing
was my fault too. l am very sorry.
VIII you accept my best thanks, and
try to forget my part i'll the matter:
Ill never forget yours.
why, of course" Grierson replied,
and there the matter ended. New York
Journal