More than that, however, their interest had appraised Sawyer of his whereabouts, and even as Steve, blinking the water from his eyes and replenishing his lungs, looked about him, his pursuer almost reached him.
Scorning concealment now, Steve made straight for the shallow end of the pool.

Swimming like his was a revelation to many of those who saw it and a hearty burst of applause followed him all the way to the ladder, which he gained several yards in advance of Sawyer.

Steve darted up the rungs and ran to the side of the tank, the fellows scattering out of his path.
Sawyer pulled himself out of the water and followed, puffing with anger and exertion.
"Oh, let him go, Eric," advised Fowler.

"You can't catch him." "Yes, forget it," advised others.
But Sawyer had no idea of forgetting it.

"I'll break his silly head for him," he growled as he followed Steve around the edge.