It indicated a human being in distress and peril, and he felt that he might be able to save a life.
"Help!" came the cry again.
The voice was so choked and thick, and there was such a rush of water in his ears that Merry could not tell much about it, yet it seemed familiar.

It was near at hand, too; and, sending back an answering call, Frank swam straight toward it.
"Help!" was shouted, right at hand now, for the voice seemed to be drifting toward him.
"Where are you ?" For answer, Merriwell received a heavy blow on the head and breast from a piece of timber.

He went under with a cry, his head ringing and his senses reeling.
The next thing he knew, he was stretched out on some sort of raft, and some one was holding him there by sheer force.

His feet and legs were trailing through the water.

The whistle of the steamer or tug sounded again, but farther away.
"Is that you, Merry?
How are you feeling ?" It was a familiar voice, though thick and husky--the voice of Bart Hodge.
It steadied Merriwell's reeling brain.