pitching about in an alarming manner. It
seemed to be beyond control and was drifting rapidly toward the rougher
water of the main channel.

"We are going very slow, Tom," he remarked. "Can't we do any better?"

"She's runnin' full speed," was the reply. "I'd like to slow down a
bit, for we're gettin' soaked."

"Never mind the water, Tom. I wish you could make her go as fast
again. Oh! did you see that?"

"See what?"

"The way that little boat pitched. I thought she had swamped."

It did not really take them more than ten minutes to run across that
stretch of water, but to Jasper it seemed much longer. The boat
pounded and threshed her way forward, shipping water at every plunge,
keeping Tom busy with the small suction pump. At last, however, it was
easy for Jasper to see two women sitting in the drifting boat. That
they were helpless and had given up all attempt to reach the shore was
quite evident. One was seated astern, and the other was holding the
oars in her hands, but making no use of them. Jasper's heart beat
quicker as he watched her, for he well knew what a struggle she must
have made before giving up in despair.

"They're women!" Tom exclaimed in astonishment. "What in the devil are
they doin' out here!"

"Shut up, and attend to your engine," Jasper sternly ordered.

They were quite close now, and the women saw them. As they approached
Jasper could see Lois' face turned toward him and it was very white.

"Sit still," he shouted, and then he motioned to Tom to slow down.
"Stop her," he presently ordered, and soon they were drifting up close
to the little boat.

It took Lois and Margaret but a few seconds to step on board of the
rafting boat, and then their own craft was taken in tow. There was no
time for words now, as Jasper had all he could do to handle his own
boat, for she was rolling heavily as he swung her around and headed for
the shore. Running almost broadside to the waves a great deal of water
was shipped, which kept Tom busy at the pump.

Jasper had no time to pay any attention to the women, but he
intuitively knew that Lois was watching him. He was really happier
than he had been for days, and he was so pleased that he had been of
some service to the woman he loved. This was the second time he had
rescued her from the water, and his mind went back to the experience up
the brook below the falls. There was no Sammie Dingle present now to
mar his pleasure, for which h