[Picture: The downed boy]
Ah, silly lad! he would go out of his depth, though he knew he was not a
skilful swimmer; and see what has been the consequence! He was seized
with the cramp, when he had been a few minutes in the water, and began to
sink directly. His brave companion jumped in after him, at the risk of
his own life, and has brought him back, quite senseless, to the boat.
How distressed his poor brother looks! and how anxious to see whether
there is any life left in him.
There is a society in London, of which Dr. Hawes and Dr. Lettsom were the
founders, for the purpose of recommending the best means to be used for
recovering drowned persons. It is called the Humane Society. They have
houses placed at proper distances by the river-side, where assistance may
be had instantly; and every possible means are tried for many hours,
before they give any one quite over. Numbers have been restored to life
by this benevolent institution; and there is a sermon preached once a
year, before the Society, when many who have been brought to life by this
means are present: it is a very affecting spectacle.
Let us hope they will take this poor boy to one of these places, and
perhaps he may yet be restored to his family.