erved him to superhuman efforts, and
slowly but surely he edged his way toward her. When a few feet from
the base of the rock, he saw Lois relax and slip downward. Barely had
she touched the water ere Jasper with a mighty effort leaped forward
and caught her in his arms. Then in an instant they were both swept
away. Fortunately, Jasper was a strong swimmer, and as they shot
forward he was able to keep Lois' head above water, and work steadily
toward the shore.

By this time Dick and Sammie had so far recovered from their fright
that they were able to hurry down stream, and stand on the edge of the
stream where the bank sloped gently to the water. Here they stood for
several fearful seconds watching Jasper as he struggled toward them.
They took special care not to wet their feet, but merely reached out
and helped to pull Lois ashore and lay her upon the dry ground. More
than that they were unable to do, and naturally turned toward Jasper
for help.

"We must get her home at once," the latter remarked, kneeling by the
side of the prostrate woman. "I am afraid she has been injured by the
fall."

Fortunately, at that instant Lois opened her eyes and fixed them upon
him in a dazed manner. Then she remembered what had happened, and sat
suddenly up and looked around.

"My, I have given you a great fright," she said. "It was stupid of me
to trip over that root."

"Are you hurt, Lois?" Dick inquired.

"I am somewhat bruised, that is all. I think I must have fainted and
let go of the rock. How did I get here?"

"Oh, Spuds got hold of you and brought you out," Dick explained.

Lois at once turned her eyes upon Jasper who was now standing a few
feet away. She noticed his drenched clothes, and also that there was
blood upon his forehead.

"You are hurt," she cried. "You have struck your head."

"It's nothing, I assure you," and Jasper gave a slight laugh. "I must
have hit it against a rock when we went down, that was all. It will
soon get better. Never mind me, I am all right. But you must get home
at once."

"Yes, come, Lois," and Sammie, speaking for the first time since the
accident, stepped forward. "We must get you home at once. Never mind
this fellow; he doesn't matter."

"Indeed he does," Lois emphatically replied. "He saved my life, and I
can never thank him enough."

"But I would have saved you, Lois. I was just coming to rescue you
when this fellow, who was spying upon us from the bush