"Hi! help me on board, somebody!" he spluttered, for he had gone
overboard so quickly that he had swallowed a large quantity of
water.

Both Sam and Dick tried to reach him, but could not. Then the
current caught the tree and whirled it around and around until
both boys began to grow dizzy.

Seeing they could not aid him, and getting back a little of his
wind, Tom struck out for the tree. But the water running over his
face blinded him, and ere he knew he was so close the tree came
circling around and struck him on the side of the head.

"Oh!" he moaned, and sank from sight.

"Tom's hit!" gasped Sam. "He'll be drowned sure now!"

"Not if I can help him!" burst out Dick, and leaped overboard to
his brother's assistance. But Tom was still out of sight, and for
several seconds could not be located.

Sam waited anxiously, half of a mind to jump into the river
himself. The tramp was now forgotten, and landed on the opposite
bank unnoticed. He immediately dove into the bushes, and
disappeared from view.

At last Dick caught sight of Tom's arm and made a clutch for it.
Hardly had he taken hold than Tom swung around and caught him by
the throat in a deathlike grip, for he was too bewildered to know