Westcott was so numb and exhausted from staying in the water so long that he could not get in, but he held to the boat desperately, and begged them to help him.
"Help him in," said Charlton to Gray.

"I can't." "I'd like to help him out ef he wuz in, mighty well.

I can't kill a drownin' man, but blamed ef I gin him a leetle finger of help.

I'd jest as soon help a painter outen the water when I know'd he'd swaller the fust man he come to." But Charlton got up and reached a hand to the sinking Westcott.

He shut his eyes while he pulled him in, and was almost sorry he had saved him.