"Are you ready to start?"
"Yes, sir, just as soon as you get into the boat."
"Come, Willie," said the gentleman, addressing his little boy, "won't you like to ride over in the boat?"
"Oh, yes, papa," answered Willie eagerly.
"I hope you are well acquainted with rowing, and careful," said Mr. Jackson, for this was his name. "I am rather timid about the water, for I can't swim."
"Yes, sir, I am as much at home on the water as on the land. I've been rowing every day for the last three years."
The gentleman and his little boy sat down, and Grit bent to his oars.