The queer-looking pump, with great long pipes was now sunk into the well, and soon a strong stream of water was flowing from the spout.
"Oh, let's sail boats!" exclaimed Freddie, and then all the bits of clean sticks and boards around were turned into boats by Flossie and Freddie. As the water had a good clear sweep down the hill the boats went along splendidly, and the little folks had a very fine time of it indeed.
"Don't fall in," called Nan. "Freddie, look out for that deep hole in the gutter, where the tree fell down in the big flood."
But for once Freddie managed to save himself, while Flossie took no risk at all, but walked past that part of the "river" without guiding her "steamboat."
Presently the water in the "river" became weaker and weaker, until only the smallest stream made its way along.
"We can't sail boats in mud," declared Freddie with some impatience. "Let's go back and see what they're doing at the well."
Now the big pump had been removed and the man was going down in the bucket again.
"We lost lots of things in there," remarked Tom Mason. "I bet they'll bring up some queer stuff."
It took a few minutes for the other man to send the lanterns down after his companion and then remove the top platform so as to give all the air and light possible to the bottom of the well.
"Now the man in the well can see stars in the sky," said Harry to the other boys.