"Forgive me, Uncle Ben; I didn't mean any harm."
"I know you didn't, Charley; but you must be careful always. Live and larn," replied Uncle Ben, mollified by the penitence of the boy.
"She won't tip over again, will she?" asked Frank.
"Not if you handle her right; run over to that rock in the grove, where the water is deep, and I will bring her over."
Uncle Ben unfastened the line, and wading out a little way into the lake, jumped in, and rowed over to the rock.
"Now, my lads, you must do everything in order. We don't want any hurrying and tumbling about. When you get into the boat, step easy, and keep quiet in your places," said Uncle Ben, as he brought the boat alongside the rock. "Fend off, there! Don't let her rub!"
Tony, who was by far the coolest and most reliable boy of the party, took hold of the boat, and prevented her from striking the rock.
"Now, Tony, you shall be bow oarsman; that is, you shall pull the foremost oar. You may get in first, and take that boat-hook forward. Stop, no more of you yet; keep perfectly cool!"
Tony obeyed, and took his station in the bow with the boat-hook in his hand.
"Now hook on the rock with it, and keep her steady. There, that will do," continued Uncle Ben, taking another boat-hook and steadying the stern. "Now, one at a time, and each of you take one of the seats."