With a final glance behind, to see that all was in readiness, Tad
stepped to the edge of the water. Chunky pressed up close to him.

"Is there any last request that you want me to make to relatives or
friends, Tad?" asked the fat boy solemnly.

"Tell them to be good to my Chunky, for he's such a tender plant that
he will perish unless he has the most loving care. Here I go!"

With a wave of his hand, Tad plunged into the swirling waters. Though
his plunge was seen, the sound of it was borne down by the thunderous
roar of the river. As Butler vanished it was as though he had gone to
his instant doom.

Instinctively the two men holding the rope tightened their grip,
beginning to haul in. But Tad's head showed and they eased off again.

Just a few moments more, and Tad was seized by the waters and hurled up
into the air.

"He jumps like a bass," chuckled Chunky.

"Quit that talk!" ordered Ned sharply. "Poor Tad, we've let him go to
a hopeless death!"

All watched Tad breathlessly---whenever they could see him. More often
the boy was invisible to those on land.

A strong swimmer, and an intelligent one, Tad had more than found his