SCOUTS TO THE RESCUE

On the outskirts of the village a mill-wheel droned lazily as the boys
swung at scout's stride down the road. Suddenly the drone died away,
and by the time the comrades were abreast of the quaint old wooden
water-mill the wheel was still, and its day's work was ended.

The hatches were raised, and the water, no longer turned to its task,
was pouring at a swift race into a pool below. The race was crossed by
a small wooden bridge with a single handrail, and over the rail hung a
little girl, about seven or eight years old, watching the swiftly
running water.

As the scouts came in sight of the child a strange thing happened. The
little girl straightened herself and held the rail firmly by both
hands. Then, her eyes still fixed on the racing water, she began to
swing slowly from side to side. She gave a start and tried to run
across the narrow bridge, but fell upon her hands and knees. Here she
began to swing again from side to side, rocking farther over at every
swing. The foaming, swift-running race had fascinated her, had dizzied
and bewildered her, and was swiftly drawing her to itself. She was now
below the single handrail, and there was nothing to prevent her
toppling into the darting mill-race.

'She'll be in!' shouted Dick, and the two scouts rushed at full speed
to a wicket-gate where a path ran from the little bridge to the road.
Chippy was through first, and flew like a greyhound for the bridge.
Dick was a little behind. The Raven sprang on to the bridge and made a
snatch at the little girl's frock. His hand was darting out when she
rolled over and fell, and he missed his grip by inches. The child's
body was at once whirled away down the race.

Chippy flung off his haversack, and was about to leap when Dick yelled:
'No, no, Chippy! It's mere madness to jump into the race. This way!
this way!'

The Wolf tore along the margin of the race, casting off haversack,
jacket, and hat as he ran. At the foot of the torrent the little girl
had been whirled out into the pool, and was just sinking as Dick flew
up. With all the impetus of his run he shot out from the bank and
clove the water with a long swift dive. His eyes were open, and he saw
a dark mass slowly sinking in front of him. He made a swift stroke,
and had a good handful of clothes in his right hand. With his left arm
and his feet he struck out for the surface, and was up in an instant.
The tail of the race set up