Tom Jonah was looking up at Tess with his wonderfully intelligent eyes. He seemed to understand just what was expected of him when the rope was tied to his collar.
“Go on, Tom Jonah! Overboard!” cried Tess, firmly.
“He—he’ll get all wet, Tess,” objected Dot, plaintively.
“That won’t hurt him, Dot,” explained her sister. “You know he loves the water.”
“Come on, here!” cried the girl on the island, snapping her fingers. “Push him overboard.”
But Tom Jonah did not need such urging. With his forepaws on the gunwale of the boat he barked several times. The boat tipped a little and Dot screamed, clutching the Alice-doll tighter to her bosom.
“Go on, Tom Jonah!” shouted Tess. “You’re rocking the boat!”
The big dog leaped over the gunwale into the river, leaving the light craft tossing in a most exciting fashion. Some water even slopped over the side.
“Come on, sir! come on!” shouted the girl ashore.
Tom Jonah swam directly for the beach where she stood. The line uncoiled freely behind him, slipping into the water. It was long enough to reach the shore where the big girl stood; but none too long.