“Must have been invited to lunch,” was Blumpo’s comment. “Pity he didn’t ask us in, too.”
“No, he wouldn’t stay and leave us here,” replied Jerry, “Most likely—hullo!”
Jerry sprang up in the row-boat in amazement. Down the garden path leading from the front of the house to the dock came a beautiful black horse on a gallop. On the animal’s back sat a little girl not more than eight years of age. The horse was running away with her, and she was clinging tightly to his mane.
“Whoa, Banker, whoa!” shouted a man who came running after the animal.
But the horse, a nervous creature, was frightened over something and would not stop.
He clattered on the dock, and the next instant went over into the lake with a loud splash, carrying the little girl with him.
Blumpo was so scared by the accident that he uttered a short yell.
“Fo’ the lan’ sake,” he moaned, in a shaking voice.
The horse disappeared from sight for a brief space of time and then came up and began to churn the water madly in an endeavor to save himself from drowning.
“She’ll be drowned,” thought Jerry, with rising horror.
At that moment a lady rushed from the house, followed by Harry. It was Mrs. Fleming.
“My child! my child!” she shrieked. “Save my Cora!”
Jerry waited to hear no more. At that moment the head of the little girl appeared directly by the horse’s side, and he made a clever dive from the row-boat and came up close to the child.
The girl was so bewildered that she simply beat the water in a helpless fashion, and this frightened the horse still more.
Swimming up behind the little one, Jerry caught her under the arms. It was a perilous thing to do, for Jerry was in great danger of having his brains dashed out by one of the horse’s hoofs.
“Look out for the hoss!” shouted the man. “He’ll kick you if he can!”
As rapidly as he could, Jerry swam out of the mad animal’s reach. It was difficult with the struggling girl in his arms, but at last he accomplished it, and willing hands helped him to the dock.
“My Cora! my Cora! is she dead?” cried Mrs. Fleming.
“No, she is more frightened than hurt,” returned Jerry. “Let us take her to the house.”
But before he could go a step, Mrs. Fleming clasped her girl in her arms and led the way.