He got up and shook himself, and then followed my example of folding up my blanket.
“Can you lads swim?”
“I can,” I said; and the words recalled our river at home, and the green bank off which I used to plunge.
“I learned in Lambeth Baths,” said Esau.
“Then if I were you I’d go and have a dip; freshen you both up for the day. There’s a place under the trees about a hundred yards from the wharf. I’ve had a swim there this morning.”
“Already?” I said.
“Yes, and done some business beside. But look here; keep to the shallows there, and don’t venture into the stream, for the current is exceedingly swift.”
A swim in the bright morning sunshine sounded so delightful that I made for the door at once.
“Remember about the current, my lads,” said Gunson; “and you, Dean, if you keep your eyes open you’ll see plenty of salmon.”
“That’s his way of making fun of me,” said Esau, as soon as we were outside. “Somehow he don’t like me.”