"I—I'm all right. Is—isn't it jolly?" answered Hibbert, with a feeble attempt at a smile.
Though Hibbert was far from enjoying himself, in spite of trying to impress upon himself that he was, his companions were in their element. As they floated along the river, they imagined themselves to be adventurers, bent on discovery and deeds of heroism. All the same Harry began to feel that Plunger, as usual, was trying to take up the position of command, and make him play second fiddle.
"I say, Freddy," he presently burst out, "isn't it time that I did a bit of punting?"
"I'd like you to have a try, I really would; but it's not so easy as it looks. You've never done any punting, and you don't know how hard it is."
"And what do you know about it? You've never done any of it till now. You're not going to gammon me, Freddy; so hand over the pole."
As Plunger did not seem inclined to give up the pole, Harry caught hold of it, with the intention of enforcing his demands. As he did so, the raft swayed, and Hibbert, crying out in alarm, clutched Harry in turn to steady himself.
"Don't be an ass, Harry," exclaimed Plunger hotly. "You'll have us over in a minute. We're not on dry land. We're not out for a picnic."
"Give up the pole, then. We were to go halves—share and share alike. I know as much about punting as you do; so let me have a turn."
"Put me on land," said Hibbert appealingly, fearing that a struggle would take place between the two boys.
"Don't be such an awful funk, Camel," exclaimed Plunger roughly. "Let go, Harry. Don't play about on this bit of wood or over we go. I'm not insured, if you are. I said we'd go halves, and so we will. Let me finish punting to the plantation and you shall do the punting back."