Frank was not in bathing-costume, and Debby
never dreamed that he would take her at her
word; but she did not know the man she had to
deal with; for, taking no second thought, he flung
hat and coat away, and dashed into the sea. This
gave a serious aspect to Debby's foolish jest. A
feeling of dismay seized her, when she saw a
resolute face dividing the waves behind her, and
thought of the rash challenge she had given; but
she had a spirit of her own, and had profited well
by Mr. Joe's instructions: so she drew a long
breath, and swam as if for life, instead of love.
Evan was incumbered by his clothing, and Debby
had much the start of him; but, like a second
Leander, he hoped to win his Hero, and, lending
every muscle to the work, gained rapidly upon
the little hat which was his beacon through the
foam. Debby heard the deep breathing drawing
nearer and nearer, as her pursuer's strong arms
cleft the water and sent it rippling past her lips,
something like terror took possession of her; for
the strength seemed going out of her limbs, and
the rock appeared to recede before her; but the
unconquerable blood of the Pilgrims was in her
veins, and "Nil desperandum" her motto; so,
setting her teeth, she muttered, defiantly,--
"I'll not be beaten, if I go to the bottom!"
A great splashing arose, and when Evan recovered
the use of his eyes, the pagoda-hat had
taken a sudden turn, and seemed making for the
farthest point of the goal.
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