having won several medals while at
College for his continued swimming under water. At one time during his
first college days, he had saved the lives of some young folks when their
canoe capsized a long distance from shore. In this supreme test of
ability and presence of mind, with the girl he loved in his arms to save,
Tom was as self-possessed as if on deck with Polly.

In less time than it takes to tell, both victims of the collision sank
until the natural fight between the weight of the water and the force of
the air in their lungs, sent them up again to the surface. In that short
time, Tom used every muscle and physical power to swim far enough _under_
the water to clear away from the boats which might do them more harm than
the water.

Fortunately he found the surface free when he rose for breath, and
finding no resistance from the unconscious form he held, he managed to
change his grip from her arm to a firm hold under the shoulders. In this
position he could manage to keep Polly's head above water, and at the
same time, could swim backwards, by using his feet as propellers.

The only handicap he now had, was his clothing and shoes; these
interfered with his free action in swimming so he managed to kick off his
dancing pumps. The greatest danger he feared, was the sudden coming of
some craft that would compel him to dive again, or might even run them
down, unseen in the dark.

But the very fog that had caused this accident, also befriended them now,
as no wary seaman would recklessly go on his way in such a bewildering
mist, and the majority preferred waiting for a temporary lifting of the
blanket, before continuing their journeys.

Tom felt no concern over the fact that Polly had fainted or had been in
the water for a time, for he knew she was so healthy that no ill would
occur to her from such causes. All he feared now, was his power of
endurance to keep floating until some craft might pick them up, or he
could reach a temporary rest.

Suddenly he felt a sweeping current whirl him about and in another
moment, he was swimming rapidly _with_ instead of _against_ the tide in
the Bay. He realized that in that short time the tide had turned, either
about some point of land, or in the River. He began to tread water while
he tried to lift his head and gaze across the waves. Then a broad shaft
of dazzling light shot across the Bay from a nearby reflector. At the
same time Tom heard the tolling of a bell-buoy, not