At the instant he turned, his left scull came into violent contact with the oars of the Noah's Ark, and was jerked from his hand, and at the same time the light boat gave a violent lurch over and capsized, sending her occupant headlong into the river! The small boys, pale with fright and dazed by the suddenness of the accident, sat for a moment unable to move or cry out.

Then by a sudden wild impulse Parson sprang boldly into the water, followed in a second or two first by Telson, then by Lawkins.

The other three held to the oars and waited where they were.
The tide was running down at a good pace, and the river was fairly wide, but there was not much danger to any of the immersed ones.

All Willoughby boys could swim, and as Mr Parrett had taught most of them to do so himself, he hardly stood in need of the help of his three pupils.

A few strokes brought them all to the bank in safety.
An uncomfortable moment ensued.