"Nellie Wilder is drowned," was the burden of their dire message.
Graydon sprang down the steps, and rushed with the fleetness of the wind toward the lake.
As Madge, with Jennie and Harry Muir, approached the water, they saw a party of children playing carelessly in a boat, and a moment later a little girl fell overboard.

The boat was in motion toward the shore, and when she rose it had passed beyond her reach.

Her companions gave way to wild panic, and, instead of trying to save her, screamed and pulled for land.

No one was present except nurses and other children, and they all joined in the wild, helpless chorus of alarm, and began a stampede toward the hotel.
Madge saw that if the child was saved she must act promptly and wisely.

To the Muir children she said, authoritatively, "Sit down where you are and don't move." Then she rushed forward and unfastened a skiff.