while longer. We'll have you both out in a jiffy."

Both rescuers slid the plank on the ice until one end projected over the
hole.

Then the man and Grace both lay flat down on the other end and Grace
called "ready."

Julia Crosby seized the board and pulled herself out of the water, safe,
now, from the breaking of thin ice at the edge.

"Now, Tom," cried Grace.

But Julia's considerable weight had already weakened the wood. When Tom
attempted to draw himself up, crack! went the board, and a jagged piece
broke off. This would not have been so serious if the ice had not given
way. Then, into the water, with many strange, guttural cries, slipped the
deaf and dumb man. Grace herself was wet through by the rush of water over
the ice, and just saved herself by slipping backward.

There was still a small portion of the plank left, and, with Julia
Crosby's help, Grace thought they might manage to pull the two men out.

But Julia looked hardly able to help herself. She sat shivering on the
bank trying to remove her skates.

"Julia," called Grace desperately. "You must help me now or these two men
will drown. Help me hold down this plank."

Aroused by Grace's appeal, Julia meekly obeyed, and, still shivering