Il6 THE BUTTERFLY HUNTERS. 



Mr. Benedict's warning came too late. Frank made a 

 bold spring for an insect that was flying far above his 

 head, and, losing his balance, fell into the water. Instant- 

 ly Hal was over the side of the boat and both disappeared 

 beneath the surface. For a moment it seemed as if the 

 whole boat-load would follow. Every boy sprang to his 

 feet, and the boat rocked violently from side to side. It 

 was all Mr. Benedict could do to control them. He knew 

 that Hal was an expert swimmer, and felt that it was his 

 duty to keep the boat from upsetting. It was only an 

 instant, although to the boys who stood silent and watch- 

 ful in the boat it seemed an hour before Hal appeared, 

 grasping Frank in one hand. He had caught him just 

 as he was going down. 



" Back ! back to the other end of the boat ! " shouted the 

 teacher to all the boys who tried to rush to the rescue ; 

 " balance her quick while I help them in ! " 



Hal had already supported himself by catching hold of 

 a piece of board which lay among the reeds, and, pushing 

 Frank towards Mr. Benedict, he said, " Look to Frank, 

 I can take care of myself" 



Soon as Frank was lifted into the boat he commenced 

 making a vigorous use of his hands to clear the water 

 from his face and eyes, while the eager, excited boys were 

 using their handkerchiefs to dry his hair and wipe his 

 clothes. The little fellow was not hurt, but somewhat 



