Page:Anna Chapin--Half a dozen boys.djvu/264

236 self was the uncomfortable feeling that he had been the means of getting Fred into a scrape, and that cousin Alice would wish she had not invited him to her house.

“Boat ahoy!” called a clear voice across the water.

Rob looked around and saw a little boat with one occupant suddenly turn from the shore, where it was creeping along in the shade, and come darting towards them, with a long,  steady sweep of the oars that told of an experienced rower. He answered the call, and then turned to communicate the good news to Fred, as the other boat came quickly alongside.

“Throw me your painter,” said the young man who was in the boat; “I’ll take you in  tow. But how did you two youngsters ever happen to get in such a plight?”

Rob briefly explained their situation, honorably taking all the blame for the carelessness.

“Well, never mind. You’d better come into this boat,” said their rescuer. “I can row you better that way.”

Rob carefully helped Fred to step from one boat to the other, with the assistance of the