“Don’t need it!” Jack sung out, cheerfully enough. “What do you think I am, an invalid?”
However, he was glad enough to crawl into the smaller boat, which Paul sent over toward him, for Jack found his shoes heavy, and the side of the Corbelbes was high out of water, making it difficult for one to reach the gunwale.
“All right?” asked Cora, as Jack sat dripping on the stern seat.
“Sure I’m all right. I was going in for a swim anyhow, and this saved me the trouble.”
“Well, come on board and we’ll start again,” Cora said. “Pick up the ring, Paul. I don’t want to lose it!”
“Aye, aye, my captainess!” and he saluted with an oar.
“How did it happen, Jack?” asked Walter, when his chum, dripping, was safe on board again.
“Somebody pushed me! I think it was Hazel,” and he winked at the others while he gazed as severely as possible (which was not greatly) at the blushing girl.
“Oh, Mr. Kimball! I—I did not!” cried Hazel.
“My goodness, how very formal! Mr. Kimball!” mocked Bess. “Since when, Hazel?”