V

_In Which it Appears to Jimmie Grimm and Master Bagg That
Sixty Seconds Sometimes Make More Than a Minute_

Ruddy Cove is deep--vastly deep--except in one part. That is in Burnt
Cove within the harbour. There at low tide it is shallow. Rocks
protrude from the water--dripping and covered with a slimy seaweed.
And Burnt Cove lies near the tickle to the sea. You pass between the
tickle rocks, bear sharply to the right and are presently in the cove.
It is a big expanse, snugly sheltered; and it shallows so slowly that
there are many acres of quiet water in which the little fellows of
Ruddy Cove learn to swim.

Ezekiel Rideout's cottage was by Burnt Cove; and Bagg wished most
heartily that he were there.

* * * * *

But Bagg was at sea. And the punt was a small one. It was not Jimmie
Grimm's fishing punt; it was a shallow little rodney, which Jimmie's
father used for going about in when the ice and seals were off the
coast. It was so small and light that it could be carried over the
pans of ice from one lane of open water to another. And being small
and light it was cranky. It was no rough weather boat; nor was it a
boat to move very much about in, as both boys were quite well aware.

Bagg heard Jimmie's oars rattle in the row-locks and the blades strike
the water. The boat moved forward. Jimmie began to row with all his
strength--almost angrily. It was plain that he was losing his temper.
And not only did he lose his temper; he had grown tired before he
regained it.

"Here, Bagg," said he; "you have a go at it."

"I'll 'ave a try," Bagg agreed.

Jimmie let the oars swing to the side and Bagg made ready to steady
the little boat. Bagg heard him rise. The boat rocked a little.

"Steady!" Bagg gasped.

"Steady, yourself!" Jimmie retorted. "Think I don't know how t' get
around in a rodney?"

It was now so dark, what with night and fog, that Bagg could not see
Jimmie. But presently he understood that Jimmie was on his feet
waiting for him to rise in his turn. They were to exchange places.
Bagg got to his feet, and, with all the caution he could command,
advanced a step, stretching out his hands as he did so. But Bagg had
not been born on the coast and was not yet master of himself in a
boat. He swayed to the left--fairly lurched.

"Have a care!" Jimmie scolded.

Have you never, in deep darkness, suddenly felt a loss of power to
keep your equilibrium? You o