He dragged a pump over, allowing its flexible pipe to rest down into the water in the canoe.
"Now, some of you youngsters get hold of the pump handles," Driggs ordered.
Five high school boys got hold with a will. Gradually, as the water was emptied out of her the canoe rose higher and higher in the water.
There was no cheering, now, from the boys on the scow. They were using all their breath working the pump, while Driggs carefully directed the bottom of the flexible tubing.
"There!" declared Driggs at last. "Barring a little moisture, your canoe is as dry as ever it was, boys. I can't see a sign of a leak anywhere, either. But don't make a practice of tipping it over every day, for I can't afford to leave my work to help you out. There's your canoe, and she's all right."
Dick got hold of the painter at the bow, while Driggs released the grappling tackle.
What a cheer went up from the scow, and what a busy scene there was on the float as the young women jumped up and down in their glee over the good fortune of Dick & Co.
"Now, we'll cruise down and get the paddles," Driggs proposed.
"As soon as we pick up a couple of them, Dick and I can take the canoe and get the rest," Dave suggested.
"You cannot, while the young ladies are with us," Hiram Driggs contradicted. "Do you want to scare them to death by having another upset?"