"What are you about, Clip?" demanded Bob, in excitement. "Don't you see you are running the boat ashore?"
"I done just like you, Massa Bob," protested Clip. "De boat acts contrary; never see such an ol' boat."
"It is you that are contrary, Clip. You don't do as I tell you."
"I 'clar to gracious I did, Massa Bob. I can't never learn to steer."
In fact, Clip, who was naturally lazy, found it very irksome to stand at the helm, and much preferred going here and there on the boat and surveying the scenery on either bank. He hoped that his incompetence would save him from the task. But his dream was rudely disturbed.
"If you can't take your turn in steering, Clip," said Bob, "you won't be of any use to me. I shall have to send you home, and get along with Sam's assistance."
"Oh, don't send me home, Massa Bob!" exclaimed Clip, in alarm. "I'll try—'deed I will."
"I'll try you a little longer, Clip," said Bob; "but you must not blame me for sending you back, if it is necessary."
No better argument could have been used to insure satisfactory work from Clip, who was naturally careless, and inclined to shirk work. Nevertheless, Bob felt glad that he had another assistant in Sam Wolverton, who proved to possess all the qualities which Clip lacked.
When it was one o'clock, Clip began to show signs of distress.