Page:Castlemon--Joe Wayring at Home.djvu/174

 quite as skillfully. By the time they reached the smooth water at the foot Roy and Loren came in sight, and in five minutes more the little fleet was reunited. The hearts of three of the canoeists beat a trifle faster than usual, but they had accomplished the run in perfect safety, and without a wetting, and they were ready to try it again at the very first opportunity.

"Take time to learn the channel before attempting any thing reckless," cautioned Joe. "After that you can come down by yourselves as often as you feel equal to the task of carrying your boats back over the portage."

The boys went ashore long enough to put on their clothes, untie their rods, and put fresh water on their minnows, and then they were ready for the bass.