him ashore and work over him as soon as possible. You light the way; I
think I can carry him alone."

The fellow who had been hauled out of the river was a slightly-built
youth, not over twenty years of age. As Tom was both big and muscular,
it was an easy matter for him to throw the stranger over his shoulder.
Sam led the way to the shore, keeping the light down on the rocks so
that his brother might be sure of his footing.

Once safe, the boys placed the stranger on the grass and started to
work over him. He was unconscious, and had evidently swallowed
considerable water. Fortunately, the lads had taken lessons in how to
resuscitate a person who had been close to drowning, so they knew
exactly what to do.

"It's a mighty lucky thing that we were here to aid him," remarked
Sam, as he and Tom proceeded with their efforts. "Another minute, and
it would have been all up with this poor fellow."

"Well, he isn't out of the woods yet, Sam, but I think he is coming
around." And even as Tom spoke the stranger gave a gasp and a groan,
and tried to sit up.

"It's all right, my friend," cried Sam, reassuringly. "We've got you,
you are safe."

"Oh, oh!" moaned the young man who had been so close to drowning. And
then as he sat up and stared at the brothers, he added: "Did-- did you
sa-- save me?"