Tommy, of course, knew nothing of
what was in the mind of her companion, nor did Harriet think best to
confide in her.
"I'm getting tired. I can't keep up much longer," wailed Grace.
"Rest a moment on your back. I will keep a hand under your shoulders
so you won't sink. If only one knew it, it isn't really possible to
sink, provided the lungs are kept well filled with air and no water
swallowed."
"I could think like a thtone if I let mythelf go."
"Don't let yourself go. There is every reason why you should not, and
not one why you should."
"Yeth." Tommy turned over on her back. "Did you ever thwallow thalt
water?"
"I never did."
"Then don't. It ith awful. Oh, I'm tho tired and I'm getting thleepy."
Harriet roused herself instantly. She gave Tommy a brisk slap on one
cheek. Tommy cried out and began fighting back, with the result that
she was the one to swallow salt water. Tommy choked, strangled and
floundered, still screaming for Harriet to save her. Instead Harriet
let her companion struggle, keeping close to her, but making no effort
to help.
"Thave me!"
It was a choking moan. Uttering it, Tommy disappeared. Harriet lunged
for her and dragged her companion up, and none too soon, for the
little girl had swallowed so much salt water that she was really half
drowned.
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