The Curse of Camp Cold Lake

27

I treaded water, watching in horror as the boat sped toward me.

I’ve got to dive under it, I realized. The only way to escape is down.

I took a deep breath. Every muscle tensed. I knew I had to time my dive perfectly.

The boat roared closer. I could see Della crouched over the motor. Guiding the boat.

Aiming it.

I took another deep breath. And then I realized I couldn’t dive.

The life vest-it was holding me up. No way I could plunge beneath the surface.

With a cry, I grabbed the front of the vest with both hands.

And tugged.

I can’t do this! I realized. I can’t get this thing off in time!

The water rocked harder as the boat sped nearer. The whole lake seemed to tilt and spin.

The boat-it’s going to tear me to pieces! I thought.

I pulled at the vest. Pushed it.

Please-please-slide over my head!

No time. No time.

I can’t dive!

The motor’s roar drowned out my scream.

With a frantic tug, I pulled the life vest up. Over my shoulders.

Too late.

The front of the boat bounced over me.

Then the whirring motor blades sliced off my head.