I shot head-first off of the bank like a frog, clothes and all on, and struck out for the canoe.

I just expected there'd be somebody laying down in it, because people often done that to fool folks, and when a chap had pulled a skiff out most to it they'd raise up and laugh at him.

But it warn't so this time.

It was a drift-canoe sure enough, and I clumb in and paddled her ashore.

Thinks I, the old man will be glad when he sees this--she's worth ten dollars.