"How in the world are we going to get him out of
here?"
"I guess we can tow him out, sir," growled Greer with dull indifference.
"Mighty puny chap--always flopping over when he's in a tight place."
"Come here, stick his arms through our buoys, put his own under his
head!"
The plan was quickly carried out and Smith's unconscious form was placed
beyond immediate danger.
The two youths took up their long swim once more. As they moved down the
opening, they could see what slow progress they were making. Presently
Madden explained in a low whispering tone:
"His heart's bad... can't stand much... poisoned with alcohol."
Another pause filled with slow weary swimming, then Greer said:
"Said I was no gentleman... didn't know a French word... I keep sober."
Madden made no defense to this reflection on the unconscious Englishman,
but after a while he said:
"We ought to overlook lots in him, Greer--unfortunate fellow... there's
good in him, Greer... bad too."
"I've got no call to please you," growled the sailor with astonishing
frankness.
"Then why did you come with us?" inquired Madden amazed.
"Wanted to see the schooner."
"And what have _I_ done to _you_?"
"Called me a thief!" the sailor elevated his dull tone. "After I
telegraphed ye about th' men.
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