Cupid of Campion

ace, and to the consternation of Dora, di

. The gypsies were kept mindful of his presence, now by an occasional bellow from the leader, now by a roaring burst of

returned. After an interview wit

where I have

whe

McGr

Is it far

miles down

about my

r till yesterday afternoon,

bo

iver for you ever since you disappeared. Yesterday, your father had

know I was wo

y about Dora. Pete is a born kidnapper; and he has more power than me. Anyhow, no matter

llow." And Clarence sho

six miles that day, and about two hours before sunset pitched their tents in

swim. There was no need for a search. The suitable place was awaiting him. He had hardly go

mer. He used a power

do you always

d swiftest," answ

arence; "but it's no good for a long

m, if you've got the strength

see the boy who can beat me out in a long

y you can beat

Clarence superbly. "I can bea

le in length. Clarence looked at it intently. It was thickly wooded and ended to the south in a clump of willows dee

ed Clarence; "and it must be

u to the isla

e," returne

this kid says he can beat me t

n command of the camp. "Here's a good place for diving off," he continued, pointing to a spot where the bank rose three feet

him just then, that the winning of this race was to him a matter of life and death. The color had almost entirely

oth ready?

who was quite cool an

. Then he gravely bowed his head

nd all three turning saw Pete

and pointing it impressive

drown, and your body never be found. May

sked Clarence breaking

She tried to speak, but word

ys," resumed

red the two

G

ead in the overhand stroke. Several seconds passed, and those watching on the shore began to show signs of nervousness. All the gypsies, save, of course, the snarling and profane

ied, "what's happ

e surface of the river intently

y curse has fallen." Her laugh, horrible to the ear, ran

speaking, Dora fe

"save your dear child, Clarenc

n. Far out, fully five yards ahead of Ezra and as many yards further down stream, Clarence came to the surface. The bo

e arose from

st of movements that Ben was able to save the child from bodily injury. As it was, the woman dashed into Ben's rigid an

ns, with, however, one point of difference. Ezra was swimming in almost a direct line; Clarence was being

ing his hands

ora. "Is there any danger?

the current more strongly, he may be carried down below the i

s were nearing the island, Ezra not more than twenty yards below the point fr

e'll reach it?"

so; I do

sing herself, prayed with streaming eyes to

arence is trying to swim upstream so as not to miss it.

dly. He had abandoned the sailor stroke and was beating the wa

Help!"

thin a few yards of the willows, he disap