n.
On the landing-place Diana raged. If the _Peveril_ were really unsafe
every stroke of the oar was taking Adeline and Hilary into greater
danger. How could she possibly make them understand? The more she
called, the more they would row away.

Then a very desperate idea occurred to her, so desperate that only a
harum-scarum like Diana would have thought of it. She would swim out
towards them, and when they saw her in the water they would probably
turn and come back. She pulled off her skirt and her shoes. Now Diana
was not a very expert swimmer; it was indeed two years since she had had
any practice, and that had been in the sea, which is easier than fresh
water. She never thought of these particulars, however, but, putting her
hands together, dived off the landing-place just as Loveday turned the
corner of the boat-house. It was very cold, indeed, in the water, far
colder than she had expected; it made her gasp for breath, and sent a
numbness into her limbs. She struggled on, however, with brave strokes.

"Di--ana!" screamed Loveday's agitated voice behind her.

The girls in the boat were not even looking. How fearfully cold it was!
It was difficult to hold up her head properly and see where she was
going. She had thought swimming was so easy. A few more strokes and
something seemed to be twining round her. She had dashed into some
waterweeds, and their clammy stems clutched her like dead fingers. She
made a desperate effort to free herself; down went her head, and next
moment she was gulping, struggling, and shrieking for help. There was a
splash behind from the landing-place as Loveday plunged to the rescue;
the occupants of the boat also, at last looking and realizing the
seriousness of the situation, began to row in her direction as fast as
they could pull. They were some distance off, however, and Loveday won
the race. She caught Diana just as she was sinking, and held her up
until the boat arrived.

A very draggled, agitated pair of girls made their way up the shrubbery
walk to the house, leaving a wet trail to mark their path. Adeline tied
up the _Peveril_ before she followed them.

"I'm sure nobody can blame _us_," she remarked to Hilary.

Loveday and Diana, warmed, dried, and clad in fresh garments, scolded by
Miss Todd, and cosseted by Miss Carr, the heroines of a real adventure,
and for the moment the centre of interest in the school, discussed the
event in private.

"I've explained, but Adeline doe