"I'm not hurt," he said, opening his eyes.

"But don't tell mother: she'd be frightened half to death." "We'll save her as much as we can; and I hope you've learned a lesson, young sir, and will not be so foolhardy another time," said Mr.Daly.
"P'raps he'll tink ole folks not such fools, nex' time," remarked Uncle Joe.

"Bless de Lord dat he didn't get drownded!" The men and boys came running from the house, bringing cloaks and shawls to wrap about the dripping boy.

They would have carried him back with them, but he stoutly resisted, declaring himself quite as able to walk as anybody.
"Let him do so, the exercise will help to prevent his taking cold provided he is well wrapped up;" said Mr.Daly, throwing a cloak over the lad's shoulders and folding it carefully about him.
"Ill news flies fast," says the proverb.

Mrs.Carrington met them upon the threshold, pale and trembling with affright.