Part 27 (2/2)

Cora did not finish. A wave splashed up on her, taking her breath. Then, resolving to get it over with, she strode out, threw herself under water and a moment later was swimming beside Jack.

”Cora's in!” exclaimed Bess. ”I'm going too.”

”So am I,” added Eline. ”Come on, Belle!”

Belle hesitated.

”I can only swim a few strokes,” she said. ”I learned at Lake Dunkirk.”

”It's much easier in salt water than fresh,” insisted Eline, taking hold of Belle's arm. ”Do try!”

Hesitatingly Belle waded out into the water. She gasped and choked as the chill struck through her, then, resolving to be brave, she plunged herself under. She gasped more than ever, but did not give up.

”You are doing fine!” cried Eline, as she struck out toward the float.

Suddenly Belle screamed.

”Are you going down?” asked Eline in alarm, yet they were not out beyond their depth.

”No, she's going up!” a.s.serted Walter, who was swimming near by.

”Don't make fun of her!” commanded Cora.

”I'm not. She's making fun of herself.”

Again Belle screamed.

”Oh! Oh!” she cried. ”Something has me! I--I'm sure it's a lobster.”

”None of us boys missing!” joked Ed, as he splashed up.

”Lobsters are worth forty cents a pound! Save that one! Save it!”

commanded Norton, as he came alongside with strong, even strokes.

”Oh dear!” screamed Belle.

She really seemed in distress, but something nerved her to strike out as she never had before, and before she knew it she was swimming.

A figure in red guided to her side--a veritable mermaid. It was the girl from the lighthouse--Rosalie.

”Take it slowly--you are doing lovely!” she commended. ”You are swimming!”

”Oh--Oh--I--I'm so glad!” cried Belle. ”I've always wanted to, but they said I--I would be afraid!”

Rosalie was half supporting her, but really Belle was doing well, and gaining confidence every minute. As the lighthouse maid swam past Cora she managed to whisper:

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