When, however, the stream opened into the lake, the progress became much less exciting. The water was a little lumpy, and had a tendency, while they were walking back at the end of one punt in order to start another, of jumping the “Cock-House” back into precisely the same position from which she had lately started.
After about half an hour’s fruitless efforts the twins were seized with a generous desire not to monopolise the whole of the fun of the voyage.
“Like to have a go!” said Wally to D’Arcy.
“You may have a turn if you like, Lick,” said Percy.
Whereupon D’Arcy and Lickford took up the rowing for the “Cock-House,” greatly assisted and enlivened in their operations by the advice and encouragement of the late navigators.
“Two to one on Lick,” cried Wally, as the two started their mad career down the boat. “Look out! he’s gaining.”
“You’ve made her go an inch and a half,” said Percy.
“Hang on tight now, and pull it up,” said Wally, as Lickford, red in the face with excitement, was straining himself to release the hook from the mud.
“Keep her trim,” said Percy, laying hold of D’Arcy’s feet, as the latter was gradually letting himself be hauled out of the boat by his refractory pole.
In due time D’Arcy and Lickford unselfishly gave up the poles to Cottle and Ashby; and they, after a reasonable season of struggle and peril, nobly ceded them to Ramshaw and Cash, Fisher minor waiving his claim, and electing to sit “odd man out” and steer.