gineer of that steamer did try to hold hard, but the man
behind him did not see what was the matter, or that anything was the
matter, and therefore he kept his engines going, and pressed close
behind on the foremost launch.

Fortunately Rowles had in his hand a long pole with which to push
small boats in and out of the lock. With this he caught the side of
the endangered craft, and would have drawn it into safety, but the
occupant of it flourished his scull about in so foolish a manner that
he hindered what Rowles was trying to do, and all the time--which
was but a couple of minutes--the launches were slowly bearing down
upon him.

Philip had seized an oar which was lying by, Emily had caught up a
clothes-line; Philip pushed his oar at the man in the boat, Emily
threw him the end of her rope. Rowles had at length caught the side of
the boat with the hook at the end of his pole, and brought it close to
the bank.

The man gave a spring to get out on dry land. Of course his boat went
away from him, nearly jerking Rowles into the water. As for the
awkward creature himself, he fell on his knees on the plank edging of
the bank, and his feet dangled in the stream. The launch went on
again, crushing the rudder of the small boat.

It required the help of Rowles and Philip to pull the man up on his
feet, and get him to believe that he was safe. He staggered up the
bank to the pathway on the top of it, and gasped for breath.

"That--that--was a narrow shave!" said he.

"Ay, for them that goes out fooling in a white shirt," said Mr.
Rowles.

"It is only my feet that are wet," remarked the stranger, beginning to
recover his colour; "and I did not know there was any harm in a white
shirt."

"No harm in the shirt if the man who wore it knew what he was about.
Why, I've seen them go out in frock-coats and tall hats and kid
gloves. I've seen them that did not know bow from stern; and then,
when they are drowned, they are quite surprised."

"I don't know much about boating," returned the man; "but my gentleman
said he thought I had better practise a bit, because he will want me
to row him about of an evening. Well, another time I will keep out of
the way of the steam-launches."

"You had better, sir. And put off your coat, and your waistcoat, and
your watch and chain, and rig yourself out in a flannel shirt and a
straw hat. And, pray, how are you going to get home?"

At this moment Mrs. Rowles came to the door, shading her