“Suppose we go out rowing?” said Edwin.
“I should like that,” said Tom eagerly.
“Can you row?” asked James.
“I can keep up my side of the boat,” said Tom.
“Very well, we’ll go, then,” said James. “Come along, fellows.”
Half a mile from the lawyer’s house was a river, narrow but with a swift current. Thither the boys directed their steps. Under a tree a round-bottomed boat of fair size was padlocked.
“The boat belongs to me,” said James complacently. “It was a birthday present.”
“It looks like a good one. Let us get in,” said Tom.
They unlocked the boat and pushed off.
“You can steer,” said James, “and Edwin and I will row.”