Of course he was thrown off the animal he was riding, and found himself struggling in the water side by side with the astonished mules.

The situation was a ludicrous one, but it was also attended with some danger.

Even if he did not drown, and the canal was probably deep enough for that, he stood in some danger of being kicked by the terrified mules.
The boy, however, preserved his presence of mind, and managed, with help, to get out himself and to get his team out.
Then Captain Letcher asked him, jocosely, "What were you doing in the canal, Jim ?" "I was just taking my morning bath," answered the boy, in the same vein.
"You'll do," said the captain, struck by the boy's coolness.
Six hours passed, and James' "trick" was over.

He and his mules were both relieved from duty.

Both were allowed to come on board the boat and rest for a like period, while the other driver took his place on the tow-path.
"Well, Jim, how do you like it as far as you've got ?" asked the captain.
"I like it," answered the boy.
"Shall you be ready to take another bath to-morrow morning ?" asked his cousin, slyly.
"I think one bath a week will be sufficient," was the answer.
Feeling a natural interest in his young cousin, Amos Letcher thought he would examine him a little, to see how far his education had advanced.
Respecting his own ability as an examiner he had little doubt, for he had filled the proud position of teacher in Steuben County, Indiana, for three successive winters.
"I suppose you have been to school more or less, Jim ?" he said.
"Oh, yes," answered the boy.
"What have you studied ?" James enumerated the ordinary school branches.