SETTING UP HOUSEKEEPING


Jane, receiving no answer to her calls, ran up on top of the house. A
quick glance about showed her that Harriet was nowhere in sight. Jane
did not dare to dive, knowing that the water was shallow. She jumped,
feet first, instead, landing in the shallow water with great force.

"She's under there!" cried the girl, staggering toward the bow of the
houseboat. Putting her shoulders against it she shoved the heavy boat
back a little. Harriet Burrell came to the surface, then made a feeble
attempt to swim. Jane picked her up and carried her ashore; or, rather,
dragged her there, for, impeded by the water, Jane found Harriet too
heavy a burden.

Harriet was gasping. She had held her breath until she could hold it no
longer. The result was that she had swallowed considerable water. Crazy
Jane was working over her. It was but a few minutes before Harriet
Burrell had wholly recovered from the effects of the recent catastrophe.
She was considerably bruised and was rendered nervous by her trying
experience.

"Is--is the small boat damaged?" she gasped.

"Never mind the small boat. There are more boats where that came from,"
answered Jane. "You lie down here while I go for another boat. Shall I
get some one to help us?"

Harriet shook her head.