I was just counting the seconds.

I was afraid he'd never speak again.
Then he said, "All right, kiddo--just strained my wrist." "Are you _sure_ ?" I called down; "dip it in the water; slap some mud on it.

Is he dead ?" I knew now that he must be all right, because I heard him move.

For about half a minute he didn't answer.

Then he called up: "He's alive, but he isn't conscious." "How about _you_ ?" I said.
"Alive and conscious," he said; "don't worry." Then for about a minute he didn't speak.
"Do you want the paddle ?" I called.
"Nope--chuck it," he said.