Matthew took a gulp of air, ducked under the water, and stayed a few moments too long until he came up empty handed. Again he filled his lungs and ducked under, this time staying even longer, and again he came up empty handed.
“Oh no,” said Lee Tappertit. He pointed at something bobbing beneath the waves. Matthew skimmed under the water and reappeared with five-year-old Oliver in his arms. He swam back to our side of the shore where the boy’s father waited. Mr. Durington took Oliver into his quavering arms and tried to shake, yell, and cajole the boy awake, to no avail. A small, dark-haired woman with serene eyes and a gentle manner reached for the child.
Mr. Durington snapped his son to his chest. “If you think I’m giving my boy to an Indian!”
Amos climbed onto the riverbank, panting f
