_has_ got a cramp,
and right now he's in danger of drowning away out there in the middle
of the river. Quick! fellows, to the rescue! Colon is drowning!"

CHAPTER VIII

A SURPRISE

Fred's words created much excitement. Some of the boys stood and looked
out to where Colon was struggling desperately in the deep water,
seeming to be almost paralyzed with alarm. Others, who kept their wits
about them, started after Fred, who, plunging in, was already swimming
across the Mohunk.

Fred knew the danger that awaited them. When anyone is drowning, he or
she seems to lose all the good sense which at another time he may have
possessed. The instinct of self preservation is so strong that a
drowning boy will clutch at his dearest friend, and hold frantically to
him, not because he wants to pull the other down, but because he hopes
to be himself buoyed up.

"Help! help!" Colon was trying to scream, though the water, getting in
his mouth, muffled the sound considerably.

There was no need of his wasting what little breath he still possessed.
His chums were doing everything in their power to assist him before it
was too late.

Fred presently arrived close to Colon, who had been under water once,
and sank again even as his camp-mate arrived on the spot. It gave Fred
a sickening feeling to see the poor fellow threshing wildly with his
long arms, grasping at a floating chip, which, to his excited mind, was
magnified into a log.

Fred had made sure to be above the other when he arrived. He wanted the
benefit of the current in carrying out the plan he had in mind.

One last look he took to locate Colon. Then he dove out of sight, so
that the other might not see him coming, and try to clutch him. Once
those frenzied hands closed upon any part of his person, Fred knew that
he would have to strike Colon in the face, and stun him, before he
could break loose.

But he had figured well, for he came up just behind the struggling boy,
who was making one last effort to keep on the surface, ere going down
for the last time.

Quick as a flash Fred threw his arm around Colon, who, just as he
expected, tried desperately to seize him. This the other prevented with
all his strength.

All he wanted to do now was to continue to hold Colon until some of the
others arrived on the scene, when altogether they might be able to work
him to the shore.

Had he been alone with Colon, Fred feared he must have resorted to
other tactics if h