The fellows sat up and stared at one another.

It was some seconds before they realised what had happened to them, but, when they did, they began to shout lustily for the boy to stop.

He, however, was too much occupied with the horse to hear them, and we watched them, flying after him, until the distance hid them from view.
I cannot say I was sorry at their mishap.

Indeed, I only wish that all the young fools who have their boats towed in this fashion--and plenty do--could meet with similar misfortunes.

Besides the risk they run themselves, they become a danger and an annoyance to every other boat they pass.