Page:Lesbia Newman - Dalton - 1889.djvu/28

 with their owners, happened to be on the opposite side when our bicyclists arrived and dismounted. Mr Lyttelhurst hailed them, and the two men, who were dozing in their respective punts, started to their feet and pushed off in such haste that as they shoved away with their backs to each other, the lumbering punts collided in midstream and both bargees were thrown off their feet, one so forcibly that he not only let go his pole into the water, but went partly in after it. Recovering himself and his pole with a struggle, he turned to his comrade a visage flaming with wrath, and out of the fulness of his heart spake unto him winged words.

‘Come, you fellows, I say, stop that now, can’t you?’ called out one of the bicyclists. ‘We're waiting to cross; you can have it out between you afterwards. Please look sharp!’

The two bargees, by no means in a hurry now, began to punt on slowly towards their fares, still keeping their scornful countenances half turned to each other, and resuming the dialogue, during which Lesbia kept her little red silk pocket-handkerchief pressed upon her mouth, choking with laughter. Some of her companions were at first inclined to feel annoyed on her account; but so far from looking uncomfortable and keeping in the background, the young girl was first to wheel her bicycle into the nearer of the two punts as they at last touched the bank. She then held out a shilling to each of the controversialists, saying,—

‘There, boys, that’s to drink to your next bit of friendly chat. You’ve given me a good shillings’-worth each, I can tell you.’

The two hulking men took the money with a look of wonder at the girl, somewhat shared, to tell the truth, by her companions.

‘Thankee, my lord,’ said one of the bargees, completely quieted down.

‘Yes, my lord, we'll drink your ’ealth and a pleasant ride