Edging my way,
therefore, still further along the branch, I kicked out in a
desperate endeavour to reach the boat, and, the bough swaying with
me, caught my toe inside the gunwale, drew it under me, and loosing
my grasp, was sprawling upon my hands and knees, but safe aboard.
To pick myself up was the work of a moment, yet scarcely had I done
so, when Lisbeth opened her eyes, and sitting up, stared about her.
"Why - where am I?" she exclaimed.
"On the river," I answered cheerfully. "Glorious afternoon, Lisbeth,
isn't it?"
"How-in-the-world did you get here?" she inquired.
"Well," I answered, "I might say I dropped in as it were." Lisbeth
brushed the hair from her temples, and turned to me with an imperious
gesture.
"Then please take me back at once," she said.
"I would with pleasure," I returned, "only that you forgot to bring
the oars."
"Why, then, we are adrift!" she said, staring at me with frightened
eyes, and clasping her hands nervously.
"We are," I nodded; "but, then, it's perfect weather for boating,
Lisbeth!" And I began to look about for something that might serve
as a paddle.
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