The home of the Keiths was in the high country back from the great watercourses, and Gordon had never had a pair of oars in his hands, nor did he know how to swim; but he meant to learn.

The sight of the boats rowed about by boys of his own age filled him with envy.

And one of them, when he first caught sight of it, inspired him with a stronger feeling than envy.

It was painted white and was gay with blue and red stripes around the gunwale.

In it sat two boys.