He was on his way to the bend meadow, and passing close by Winthrop at the spring, the opportunity was too good to be resisted; he tipped him over into the water.
The boy soon scrambled out, and shaking himself like a great water-dog, and with about as much seeming concern, fixed a calm eye on his delighted enemy.
"Well, Sam Doolittle, -- what good has that done anybody ?" "Ha'n't it done you none, Governor ?" "What do you think ?" "Well! I think you be a cool one -- and the easiest customer ever _I_ see." "I've a mind it shall do somebody good; so see you don't give my father any occasion to be out with you; for if you do, I'll give him more." "Ay, ay," said the man comfortably, "you won't tell on me.

Hi! here's somebody!" It was Rufus who suddenly joined the group, whip in hand, and looking like a young Achilles in ploughman's coat and trousers.

Not Achilles' port could be more lordly; the very fine bright hazel eye was on fire; the nostril spoke, and the lip quivered; though he looked only at his brother.
"What's the matter, Winthrop ?" "I've been in the water, as you see," said his brother composedly.

"I want a change of clothes, rather." "How did you get into the water ?" "Why, head foremost -- which wasn't what I meant to do." "Sam, you put him in!" "He, he! -- well, Mr.Rufus, maybe I helped him a leetle." "You scoundrel!" said Rufus, drawing the whip through his fingers; "what did you do it for ?" "He, he! -- I didn't know but what it was you, Will." For all answer, the ox-whip was laid about Sam's legs, with the zest of furious indignation; a fury there was no standing against.

It is true, Rufus's frame was no match for the hardened one of Mr.Doolittle, though he might be four or five years the elder of the two boys; but the spirit that was in him cowed Sam, in part, and in part amused him.