Soon after supper Ethan and Tom departed for the night, promising to return at daybreak in time to prepare breakfast and be ready for the fishing which was to be done on the following day. The boys stood on the shore and watched the boat as it sped away over the river, and then when it had disappeared from sight they all turned and demanded of Bob the explanation of Hamlick.
But Bob was in no mood to banter, and so he soberly related what Ethan had told him about the efforts of the “young folks” at the Corners to do something which should aid in improving the little hamlet in which they dwelt. Somehow it all appeared in a different light now, and the merriment was soon gone.
“I’m going to have a paddle in one of the canoes before I go to bed,” exclaimed Jock, as he leaped up from the bank on which they were all seated.
As the other boys had had no experience in that sport, they all stood on the dock, eagerly watching their comrade as he took his seat in the light little canoe and wielding his paddle swept swiftly over the water.
“Did you ever see anything like that!” exclaimed Ben, delightedly. “‘It’s like a feather on the water or a leaf upon the stream,’ or something like that we had in our English last spring at school. Isn’t it fine!”
“Yes, and how easily Jock does it too,” added Bob, with a wink at Bert as he spoke. “Travelling like that is just fun.”
“I wonder if I can’t do it,” said Ben, looking longingly at the other canoe, which was still on the bank.
“You can try it, can’t you?” drawled Bob. “Nothing like trying, you know. It’s a knack, that’s all, and you have to be careful. Shall I help you bring the other canoe down to the dock?”