"You may trust to her to have had some good, sensible reason," retorted
Tom loyally.

"I don't think I can keep up much longer," exclaimed Julia, beginning to
cry again.

"Keep on crying," replied Tom exasperated. "It will warm you--and remember
that I am doing the keeping up. I don't see that you are making any
special effort in that direction."

Once Tom had endeavored to lift Julia out of the hole, and he believed,
and always insisted, in telling the story afterwards, that if she had been
willing to help herself it could have been accomplished. But Julia Crosby,
triumphant leader of her class, and Julia Crosby cold and wet as a result
of her own recklessness, were two different beings altogether.

"Grace Harlowe has left us to drown," she sobbed. "I am so wretched. She
is a selfish girl."

"No such thing," replied Tom vigorously. "Here she comes now, bringing
help as I expected I should think you'd be ashamed of yourself." He gave a
sigh of relief when he saw Grace and the strange man approaching at a
quick trot, the wagon and plank between them. His confidence in Grace had
not been misplaced. He felt that they would soon be released from their
perilous predicament.

[Illustration: Grace and the Strange Man Quickly Approached.]

"All right," called Grace cheerfully as she approached. "Keep up a little