Perk unharnessed the horse and tied him by the reins to a neighboring tree. Then the boys undressed and Christopher, with mingled feelings, stepped into the water. He understood all the principles of swimming; it was only confidence he lacked, and the desire to appear well in the eyes of his companions gave him courage. The pool was shallow, nowhere was the water over the boys’ heads; it was in reality as safe as a bath tub. In a very short time Christopher was paddling about in great glee, keeping his head nicely above water.
It was a grand frolic and after dressing again, they were all very ready for Huldah’s nicely packed luncheon. Christopher insisted upon building a fire in a hole to roast the potatoes, in true camping out fashion. The potatoes were somewhat lumpy when done, and burned the mouth. Still, they were quite eatable with plenty of salt and butter.
It was nearly four o’clock when the picnic lunch was finished. But the August afternoon was close and sultry. The boys had got hot and grimy over the potatoes. They lay about on the ground, throwing pine-cones at a family of chattering squirrels and trying to feel cool.
Christopher looked at the still clear brown pool and sat up exclaiming:
“Say, fellows, let’s go in for another dip. Just enough to cool us off.”
“No, you mustn’t. It is bad to go into the water right after eatin’,” said Perk.
“Oh, what are you givin’ us?” chaffed Billy Carpenter, who had begun to undress at Christopher’s first word. “I have been in hundreds of times, right after a big dinner.”
“Besides, we’ve been through eating a long time,” added Christopher. “’Most ten minutes, I guess.”
“But you oughtn’t, Kit. What will your grandfather say?”
“Grandfather’ll be glad I know how to swim.”