a drowning man."

"I don't think he is drowning," Paul observed. "He has the ring, and that
will keep him up until the boat reaches him. They are almost to him, and
he seems able to swim well."

"That's good," declared Alice. She had not turned her head away as had
her sister. In fact, in spite of being two years younger than Ruth, Alice
often showed more spirit. She was of an impulsive nature, and Mr. DeVere
used to say she was very like her dead mother. Ruth was tall and fair,
and of a romantic nature. Alice was more practical.

"There! They've got him!" cried Paul, as the boat came up to the actor in
the water.

"That's good!" sighed Ruth. "Oh, I was _so_ alarmed. I think I will go
below, Alice, when they bring him on deck."

"You don't need to," said her sister. "He's probably all right, except
that his fine clothes are spoiled."

"That's so!" chuckled Russ, who was industriously grinding away at the
handle of the camera.




CHAPTER III

A DISQUIETING ITEM