nd as Harry raised his
head above water there was a loud cheer, and he saw Adolphe and
Pierre, one on each side, stretch out their arms to him. The girls
were first lifted into Pierre's boat, for Jeanne was as incapable
of movement as her sister, then Harry was dragged in, the rough
sailors shaking his hand and patting him on the shoulder, while
the tears ran down their cheeks.

"Give them some hot brandy and water," were his first words. Pierre
had a kettle boiling. A glass of hot liquor was placed to Jeanne's
lips.

At first she could not swallow, but after a few drops had passed
her lips she was able to take a sip, and would then have stopped,
but Harry insisted upon her drinking the whole contents of the
glass.

"You must do as you are told, Jeanne," he said in her ear. "You
belong to me now, you know. It can do you no harm chilled as you
are, and may save you from illness."

In the meantime Pierre had poured several spoonfuls of nearly neat
brandy between Virginie's lips. Adolphe, and one of the men with
him, had changed over into Pierre's boat, and were rowing lustily
down the river.

As soon as Jeanne was able to sit up she began to chafe one of
Virginie's hands, while Harry took the other.

"Take off her shoes, Pierre, and soak a swab with the hot water
and put it to her feet."

But with all these efforts it was not until they were close to
Pierre's village that Virginie opened her eyes. When they arrived
at the little causeway the two girls were wrapped up in the peasants
cloaks which Pierre had brought with him. Jeanne took Harry's arm,
while Adolphe lifted Virginie and carried her up. Henriette was
standing at the door as Jeanne staggered in with Harry.

"That is right, mademoiselle. Thank God who has brought you straight
through the danger. Now, do not stop a moment, but come in here
and get into bed, it is all ready for you. The blankets have been
before the fire until the moment you landed; they will soon give
you warmth. Hurry in, mademoiselle; I will undress your sister.
And do you, Monsieur Sandwith, hurry up to the loft and get on dry
clothes."

Harry soon rejoined the party in the kitchen. The strong glass of
hot spirits he had drunk had sent the blood quickly through his
veins, and he felt in a glow of warmth.

"Now," he said, "my friends, I can thank you all for the aid you
have given us. It is to you we owe our lives, for without your aid
I never should have succeeded."

"Say no