ked so much might be torn from his
grasp before he could get him in. The fact of the willow growing there
showed that there was a permanent water-hole at the spot, and that,
therefore, the depth must be considerable. He dragged in the rope
slowly, for Arthur seemed scarcely able to support his burden. "Keep--
keep up, brother!" he cried out, considering whether he should not make
the rope fast and jump in to help him. Just then he discovered that the
current itself was doing what he wished; scarcely had he secured the
rope than Arthur was swept close up to the bank. He sprang on to help
him. The bank, happily, shelved, and together they dragged the nearly
drowned man to the shore. He was dressed as a labourer, and his rough
hands showed that he was accustomed to hard work. It was too dark to
distinguish his features. After they had rubbed him for some time, he
gave signs of life; and on his further recovering they placed him on
Willie's horse, and, supporting him on either side, led him up to the
house, which was about half a mile distant. The stranger scarcely spoke
all the way; indeed, he was but partially recovered from the effects of
his immersion. The ladies of the family, who had been expecting them at
an earlier hour, ran out as they reached the house. Emily hurried off
her husband to change his wet clothes; while Willie, briefly describing
how bravely his brother had behaved, conducted the stranger to his room,
that he might go to bed, while dry garments were got for him and some
hot potation was prepared. Had he been of the highest instead,
apparently, of the lowest rank, he could not have been more kindly
treated. Willie was delighted to be of use, and having collected some
clothes from his brother's wardrobe, brought them to the stranger, who,
having taken the remedies prescribed for him, insisted on getting up.

"Why, whose house am I in?" exclaimed the stranger, his eye falling on
the mark of some of the linen brought for him.

His young attendant told him.

"Then you surely must be little Willie Gilpin!" cried the stranger; "and
that fine fellow who jumped into the river and pulled me out is Arthur,
and those are your sisters. I thought I knew their faces."

"And who are you?" asked Willie.

"An old friend, though I think it likely a forgotten one," answered the
stranger. "Do not say that I know your people. If they recollect me,
well and good; if not, it matters little: I am not worth