“Pull it to ye!” shouted the captain, as the boy, wondering how it worked, allowed the tiller to swing slowly from him.
“Pull it to ye, I say! Can’t ye see where the boat’s a-goin’?”
Joe pulled; but it was no easy matter to check the impetus of the rudder in the opposite direction, and the boat still swung stern away.
“Pull!” shouted the man. “Don’t stand there like a stick o’ wood. Pull!”
The boy was pulling with all his might, but as yet without avail.
Captain Bill dropped the pump-rod and sprang to the tiller. Seizing it on the opposite side from where Joe stood, he thrust it violently outward, pushing Joe with it, backing him across the deck, backing him relentlessly till the edge of the boat was reached.
The boy to save himself from the water was obliged to turn and leap toward shore.
Fortunately the boat was near the bank, and Joe was able to scramble up the tow-path, more frightened than either hurt or wet.
Captain Bill shook his fist at him angrily.