Will descended the steps, and found the man leaning against the dock-wall.
“Now, friend, we’ll climb these stairs.”
“I will—help you—hic—yes—up.”
“You are very kind, but let me help you first. Now go it! Tough! You don’t gain a peg.”
“You’ll have me—hic—over—friend.”
“Have you over! It’s the other way, man.”
“Well—shay! It’s all right, aint it?—hic.”
“O yes! We wont quarrel about it. Look here, folks! haven’t you got any thing up there we could steer him by—a rope, perhaps, to which he could cling? The water has risen and come up here, and it’s not comfortable in one’s stocking-feet. Wish my fire company was here! We would make short work of it.”
“Shall I ring the church bell?” asked Charlie, excitedly.
“O don’t, don’t!”