He did very well until he came to the other bank, which was a high bluff, and if he got off the center of the gate it would capsize and he would get a ducking.

He could not get off the gate.

I told him to pole the gate up to the bank, so that one side would rest on the bank, and then make a quick run for the bank.

He thought he had got the gate about the right place, and then made a run, and the gate went under and so did he, in water ten feet deep.

My comrade, Fount C., who was with me on the bank, laughed, I thought, until he had hurt himself; but with me, I assure you, it was a mighty sickly grin, and with the other one, Barkley J., it was anything but a laughing matter.