the hope of seeing him sent to
prison, that the surest way of capturing the boys was to go down to the
mouth of the river--even Dan'l felt the chill of horror as he mentally
said--

"'Tain't true. Them as is born to be hanged is sometimes drowned."

But just then there was a tremendous splash, and the big boat rocked to
and fro, the captive gig danced, and Bob uttered another of his canine
yelps, for Peter had suddenly stepped on to the gunwale, dived in after
something he had seen touch the surface of the water twenty yards lower
down, where it had been rolled over and over by the rapid tide, and a
minute later, as he swam vigorously, he shouted--"I've got him!"

And he was seen holding the boy's head above the water, as he turned to
try and stem the current, and swim back to the boat.

The task was not long, for the two sailors sent her down with a few
vigorous sweeps of their oars, and Dexter and his rescuer were dragged
over the side, as the man with the tub slowly backed away.

No time was lost in reaching the shore, and the insensible boy was
carried up to the principal hotel in the port, where quite an hour
elapsed before the surgeon whose services were sought was able to pause
from his arduous task, and announce that his patient would live.

For it was a very narrow escape, and the surgeon said, as he shook hands
with Dr Grayson--

"Some men would have given it up in despair, sir. But there he is, safe
and sound, and, I dare say, boy-like, it will not be very long before he
gets into some mischief again."

Sir James Danby coughed, and Doctor Grayson frowned as he met his
friend's peculiar look. But nothing was said then till the surgeon had
been up to see his patient once more, after which he returned, reported
that Dexter had sunk into a sound slumber, and then took his leave.

"I suppose we shall not go back to Coleby to-night?" said Sir James.

"I shall not," said the doctor; "but, my dear Danby, pray don't let me
keep you."

"Oh! you will not keep me," said Sir James quietly. "I've got to make
arrangements about my boat being taken up the river."

"Why not let my men row it back!" said the doctor.

"Because I did not like to impose on your kindness."

"Then they may take it?"

"I shall only be too grateful," said Sir James.

Nothing more was said till they had ordered and sat down to a snug
dinner in the hotel, when Sir James opened the ball.

"Now, Grayson," he said, "I happen to be