There was a big mud-scow lying by the side of the wharf, and I had got under that! It was a great flat thing, ever so long and very wide.

I knew I must get from under it as quickly as I could.

Indeed, I could hardly hold my breath now.

I waded along with my head bent down, but I didn't reach the side of it.

Then I turned the other way, but my hands, which I held up, still touched nothing but the hard, slimy bottom of the scow.