This was easy enough to do; but, after seating ourselves astride the log, it was with the utmost difficulty we kept it from rolling round and plunging us into the water.

Not that we minded that much; but we preferred, if possible, to fish in dry clothes.

To be sure, our trousers were necessarily wet, as our legs were dangling in the water on each side of the log; but, as they could be easily dried, we did not care.

After half an hour's practice, we became expert enough to keep our balance pretty steadily.

Then Peterkin laid down his paddle, and having baited his line with a whole oyster, dropt it into deep water.
"Now, then, Jack," said he, "be cautious; steer clear o' that sea-weed.
There; that's it; gently, now, gently.