Twice he nearly reached the top; and once he actually did gain the roof.

What happened there on that memorable occasion will never be known.

The boy himself, when picked up, could explain nothing.
It is supposed that he lost his head with the pride of the achievement, and essayed feats that neither his previous training nor his natural abilities justified him in attempting.

However that may be, the fact remains that the main body of the water came down the kitchen chimney; and that the boy and the empty pail arrived together on deck before they knew they had started.
When he could find nothing else to damage, he would go out of his way to upset himself.

He could not be sure of stepping from his own punt on to the boat with safety.