It was well that she did so, for neither of the girls could swim.
The motor boat that was towing the "Red Rover" had stopped instantly but the "Red Rover" was still drifting, managing to collide with two more small boats before finally coming to a stop.

In the meantime, Harriet had hauled the dripping girls aboard her rowboat, and assisted the young man to right his canoe.

The girls refused to get into it again.
"Bring the young ladies aboard and let us give them some dry clothes," called Miss Elting.
"They wish to be put ashore here," answered Harriet.
"We are very sorry that we have caused you all this trouble.

Our boat doesn't seem to steer well.

I don't know what the trouble is," continued the guardian.
The two girls were very courteous about the matter.