The other children struggled hard to learn. Harvey was a very willing teacher, but did not know exactly how to impart his knowledge. He said:
"Why, it's very easy. See, you just have to start out like this, and there you are."
Thereupon, they started out as directed, but, alas, they were not there as he said. Their feet grew unaccountably light so that their heads disappeared under the water. However, they enjoyed even the ducking.
Don reveled in the water frolic as much, if not more, than any of them. He was ever ready to do the children's bidding, and ever kept a watchful eye on his charges. Beth, however, was his especial care. He seemed to feel an ownership for her.
Don, too, tried to encourage the children in their efforts to swim. He plunged out into deep water, and then looked persuasively back at the children nearer shore, as if to say:
"Follow me. It's really very easy."
Beth as usual proved the venturesome one, and started out after Don.
Mrs. Davenport, who was sitting on the wharf doing some fancy work and at the same time watching the children, called:
"Beth, do be careful or you'll get into trouble."
"Why, mamma, I am careful."