To the surprise
of the boys he started ahead willingly, and Jack's spirits rose.

"Ha-ha! that's a good fellow!" he began.

Winkie went on a few rods. Presently he discovered that his
expectations were not to be realized. The wagon was unusually heavy
still; the clattering boards set up a racket every time he moved. He
could not get away from them. It might be a good plan to try again,
though. He capered and danced, then plunged onward. Jack did not look
like a model horseman at this juncture. The boys screamed at him,
giving contrary advice; though this made no difference, for his utmost
exertions were directed to clinging to his refractory steed.

The pony was only annoyed, not frightened. He seemed to find Jack's
efforts to keep from falling off quite entertaining. Suddenly a new
idea occurred to him. What a wonder that he did not think of it
before! He veered toward the side of the way, stopped abruptly, and,
bending his head, sent Jack flying over it into the ditch. A grand
success! With a satisfied air Winkie followed up his victory,
approached his prostrate antagonist, regarded him for a moment,
and--for he wore no check-line--putting down that clever nose of his,
by a playful push with it he rolled the boy fairly over, and then set
off in a steady trot along the highway.

II.

Winkie had just reached the gate of Jack's home, when our young friends
caught up with him. Leo was now allowed to assume control, and, by
dint of much coaxing and encouragement, at length succeeded in leading
him to Mr. Gordon's barn. The wagon was here unloaded, after which Leo
leaped into it, crying, "Come on, old fellow; that's all!" And Winkie,
shaking his mane, as if felicitating himself that the disagreeable task
was over, started off with much satisfaction.

"I'll be back again this afternoon," his little master shouted to the
others as he drove away; "but--I think I'll walk!"

For the next fortnight the lads spent the greater part of the time in
the Gordon barn. Such a hammering and sawing as went on there! At
first the proceedings were enveloped in an air of mystery. Jack's
father suspected that they were preparing for an amateur circus
performance. His mother wondered at the interest manifested in the
repair of the chicken-coops. Some experiment was in progress, she was
sure; but what? At last the secret came out. They were building a
boat!

Jack and Rob did it all. "The little boys"--as t