Instead they said, "All right, then," and cautiously climbed down the steep bank to the towing-path.
The line was carefully baited, and for half an hour they fished patiently and in vain.

Not a single nibble came to nourish hope in their hearts.
All eyes were intent on the sluggish waters that earnestly pretended they had never harboured a single minnow when a loud rough shout made them start.
"Hi!" said the shout, in most disagreeable tones, "get out of that, can't you ?" An old white horse coming along the towing-path was within half a dozen yards of them.

They sprang to their feet and hastily climbed up the bank.
"We'll slip down again when they've gone by," said Bobbie.
But, alas, the barge, after the manner of barges, stopped under the bridge.
"She's going to anchor," said Peter; "just our luck!" The barge did not anchor, because an anchor is not part of a canal-boat's furniture, but she was moored with ropes fore and aft--and the ropes were made fast to the palings and to crowbars driven into the ground.
"What you staring at ?" growled the Bargee, crossly.
"We weren't staring," said Bobbie; "we wouldn't be so rude." "Rude be blessed," said the man; "get along with you!" "Get along yourself," said Peter.

He remembered what he had said about fighting boys, and, besides, he felt safe halfway up the bank.

"We've as much right here as anyone else." "Oh, 'AVE you, indeed!" said the man.