Sydney Metzler, 32, dentist, saved Annie Newton, 12, from drowning, Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia, October 25, 1909. Annie, who could not swim, was alone on a point of land between the Indian River and a brook when heavy rains caused the streams to rise suddenly and overflow their banks, cutting her off from safety. The streams became raging torrents 10 feet deep and carrying a large amount of debris, and the lowlands and the point were flooded two to four feet deep. After a man on horseback had failed to reach Annie because of the swift current, Metzler, who was not familiar with the scene, was guided to it by this man, who waded a few steps behind him. It was about dark, and they had no light. When they neared the main current, Metzler stripped to his shirt and trousers and said he was going to swim to the point. His companion urged him strongly not to make the attempt, believing it would be suicidal. The point could be dimly seen. Metzler tied one end of a rope around his waist, intending to use it in getting Annie to safety, and the man held the other end. Metzler swam 60 feet diagonally across the current and tied the rope to a tree. He waded about on the point until he found Annie and then led and carried her to a place opposite his companion. He had spent two hours on the point. He was shaking with cold and was beginning to feel weak. A boat was brought to the scene, and, after one unsuccessful attempt, a man succeeded in reaching the point in it and taking Metzler and Annie to safety. 4753-716
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