'He went off on a little beano,' said Chippy soothingly. 'Don't blame 'im. They all will when they get the chance. Now we'll rig 'im for ye tight an' sound.'
The boys led the horse back to his deserted task, fished the broken rope out of the water, and joined the parted ends with a sheet-bend knot, such as all scouts learn to tie.
'Goin' to Newminster?' asked the bargewoman.
'Yes,' said Dick.
'In a hurry?'
'Not particularly,' he said.
'Why not ride along o' me? It ain't fast, but it's as easy as anythin'.'
Now, neither scout would have confessed it to the other for worlds, but each of them was feeling the three days' tramp a little; and besides, the idea of gliding along the river-like canal on the barge, which was very clean and gaily painted, was rather fascinating.
'You're very kind,' said Dick, and glanced at his comrade.
'I'd like it prime,' murmured Chippy.