Harvey presently returned with a man who carried a pair of oars.
"He's going to row us across, Beth."
"Is it safe?"
The man smiled. "You needn't fear. I'm strong, and the squall has about blown over."
He helped the children in, and jumped into the boat himself as he pushed it from shore.
"How are you ever going to get back yourself?" asked Beth, as the man took his place at the oars. She was fearful that Harvey would have to row him back. Otherwise, his return trip appeared to her as intricate as some of the puzzles she had heard about crossing streams.
"I'm going to walk into town from your place. I have some errands there, and will take the ferry back."
Beth quieted down and watched the man. His rowing aroused her admiration. She wished that some time she could prove as great an expert as he, and resolved to do her very best to imitate him. She noted especially, the long swinging strokes that he took. Crossing the river was little work for him, and the other side was reached in safety. They drew up alongside the Davenport wharf.
Harvey offered to go up to the house with Beth, and take the blame upon himself, but she thought that her mother would rather hear of the adventure from her. So the three occupants of the boat parted company.
Mrs. Davenport had not yet returned when Beth reached the house, but came soon afterwards. Beth immediately confessed to her every incident of the day.