This had been forgotten, but there it was floating on the surface only a short distance away, and a few strokes of the oars enabled him to recover it.
“There, get under the roof and change your things,” said his uncle. “We’ll wring these out, and they’ll soon dry in the sun.”
“Yes; but who pulled me out?” cried Ned; and on being told, he held out his hand to Hamet, who took it respectfully, and bent over it for a moment.
“Thank you,” said Ned; and then, “was it the sun made me turn like that? I say, uncle, it would have been awkward if that old crocodile had caught sight of me.”
“This is a bad beginning, Ned,” said Murray gravely. “That hideous reptile did see you, and was within an ace of getting hold.”
“Ugh!” ejaculated Ned, changing colour.
“No crocodiles much higher up,” said Hamet.
“Then the sooner we are higher up the better,” muttered Murray as the boat glided on; and Ned was very quiet as he changed his wet things.
“I say, uncle,” he said at last, “I’m very sorry. I did mean to be careful, and not do anything to worry you. I couldn’t help that, could I?”
“No, it was an accident, and will be a lesson to you to be careful. You see how soon anything goes wrong.”