Forward!" They recommenced their journey, wading on slowly over what seemed to be an interminable distance; but no sign of the dark village or of the island-farm in the fen appeared, and at last the water deepened so that a chilly feeling of despair began slowly to unnerve the squire and set him thinking that theirs was a hopeless case.
"Be ready, Dick," he whispered, as, after a tremendous puff of wind which stopped them for the moment, he once more pressed on.
"Ready, father ?" panted Dick.

"What for ?" "We may have to swim directly.

If it gets much deeper we cannot force our way." "Oh, we shall do it!" cried the boy; "we must be close there now." "I fear not," said the squire to himself.

"Hold on, boy!" he cried aloud.

"What is it ?" "Water's--up to my--chest," panted Dick; "and it comes so fast here-- it's--it's too strong for me." "Dick!" cried the squire in agony.
"I must swim, father," cried Dick.
"And be swept away!" cried the squire hoarsely.