"That's all right," said Mr. Waterman. "It was really my fault. The novice does just what you did nine times out of ten, and I should have remembered that and warned you."
"I'll remember the next time," said Bob, emphatically.
"I wonder how the others are getting on," said Bob, as he looked around. Bill was down the lake casting in good fashion. Pud was close by, and looked very awkward.
"Watch out," said Joe to him, "or you will catch me in the eye."
"Don't worry," replied Pud, "I'm much more likely to take off one of my own ears."
"Do it like you crack de whip," suggested Joe.
"All right," said Pud.
He gave the line a mighty heave but the fly flew too low and caught him in the back. It must have stuck in a little, for Pud gave a lurch forward and, in spite of Joe's frantic efforts with his paddle, over went the canoe.
"Hold on to your rod," yelled Mr. Waterman, when he saw Pud go sprawling into the water. That was the last thing Pud thought of for he cast the rod away and turned to the canoe. Joe was already there. With an expert twirl, he righted the canoe with but little water in it. In another moment he was in the back seat, giving Pud directions how to climb in without upsetting the canoe. Three different times Pud upset the canoe before he got in. As they started to row back to the camp Pud felt something sticking him in the back. He felt and it was the fly which had remained fastened to him.
"Stay quiet, Pud," yelled Bob. "We'll come over and see if we can't save your rod."