"Help! help me!" came presently, in a fainter voice.

"It is Giant, and he is in trouble!" burst from Shep's lips, and
then, without waiting, he gave a loud whistle, repeated several
times. This was the old signal among the young hunters that
assistance was wanted immediately.

Shep broke into a run, or rather a series of hops, for he hopped from
one bunch of reeds to another, until he came close to where Giant was
struggling in the water and mud. The small member of the club was
now almost up to his chin and trying with might and main to pull
himself from the treacherous mass that held him a prisoner.

"What's the matter, can't you get out?" asked the doctor's son.

"N---no!" gasped Giant. "Th---the mu---mud is li---like g-g-glue!"

Much alarmed, Shep looked around for something with which to aid his
chum. Nothing was at hand, but not far off he saw a small sapling
growing. He made towards it, and by a supreme effort pulled the
sapling up by the roots. Then he ran back and threw the top of the
little tree towards the unfortunate young hunter.

"Got hold?"

"Yes."

Shep began to pull, and after a mighty effort succeeded in raising
Giant several inches out of the sticky mud. But try his best, he