He did not notice where he was going, and his heel struck upon a board which stuck up above the rest of the flooring of the dock. He tripped backward, and went with a splash into the lake.
CHAPTER XVI.
PERCY HEARS SOMETHING.
Ralph was not much alarmed when Percy Paget went over and disappeared beneath the waters of the lake. He knew the young aristocrat could swim. Moreover, the end of the rowboat was within easy reach.
Percy let out one yell, and then went under. The yell was not one of fright over his safety, but over the thought that all of his elegant clothing would be wet through and through.
He made a great splashing when he came up, and soon grasped the gunwale of his boat.
"You rascal!" he spluttered. "Just wait till I settle with you!"
"It's your own fault that you went overboard," retorted Ralph. "I sincerely hope that it cures your fiery temper."