catch me by the throat again, and we'll be all right," was Dick's reassuring reply, and as his brother became more passive he struck out for the bank upon which the thief had landed.
The current carried them on and on, but not so swiftly as it was carrying the tree. Soon they were approaching the bend. Dick was swimming manfully, but was now all but exhausted.
"You can't make it, Dick," groaned Tom. "Better save yourself."
"And let you go? No indeed, Tom. I have a little strength left and Hurrah, I've struck bottom!"
Dick was right: his feet had landed on a sand-bar; and, standing up, both boys found the water only to their armpits. Under such circumstances they waded ashore with ease, and here threw themselves down to rest.
"That thief is gone," said Dick dismally. "And my watch too!"
"But where is Sam?" questioned Tom, then looked at his brother meaningly.
"The Humpback Falls!" came from Dick. "Sam! Sam!" he yelled; "look out where you are going!"
But no answer came back to his cry, for Sam had long since floated out of hearing.
