e stump of a tree close to the camp.
Mr. Gordon had placed it there himself, and for a purpose.

"Come with me, Paul!" he called over his shoulder; but there was little
need of his saying this, for the young patrol leader was already
hurrying after him, his face white with sudden fear.

CHAPTER XXVI

THE SUCKER-HOLE

The swimmers were astonished to see Mr. Gordon coming on the run toward
them, with Paul at his heels.

But by that time the two who had been actively playing conquer with Andy
Flinn began to notice something queer.

"He don't come up at all, sir; Andy's got us all beat to a frazzle
staying under!" one of them declared, as if surprised that the Irish lad
could hold his breath so long.

The words thrilled Paul, for he realized that his worst fears were
likely to be realized. And how glad he felt that there was some one else
there now, capable of assuming the responsibility. Had the duty devolved
on him, not knowing the terrible peril of a sucker-hole, he might have
plunged straight in, to try and find Andy; when there would have been
two victims, perhaps many more!

Mr. Gordon was quickly flinging one end of the rope toward Paul. He had
slipped the noose over his own body, securing it under his arms.

"If you feel any quick jerks pull hard!" he shouted.

The next instant, he had leaped from the bank. They saw him take a
graceful header into the agitated water, where the boys were gathering.
Then he vanished from their sight.

Paul clutched the rope and gathered in the slack. His heart was pounding
like mad with the anxiety, while he waited for results. If no signal
came after a certain lapse of time he meant to pull in anyway;
determined that Mr. Gordon must not be sacrificed too.

"Get a grip here, some of you fellows!" he called, fearing lest he might
not be able to manage alone.

Willing hands seized hold, and half a dozen hung to the rope. Every eye
was fastened on the surface of the water; but since the boys had trooped
ashore it was no longer agitated. Paul could see that wide circle
forming a distinct swirl. He shuddered as he looked at it. Never again
would he ever watch a sweeping ring in the water without feeling a
coldness in the region of his heart.

The terrible seconds passed. Some of the boys were as white as ghosts;
and they shivered while standing there scantily clad.

"Oh! let's drag him back!" exclaimed William, who had hold next to Paul.

"Not yet. It isn't hard