blowing her whistle to warn the smaller boats to keep out of the way.

Jack went on across her bow with plenty of room to spare, but
Herring slowed up and caught her wash, his boat dancing and rocking
in the liveliest fashion, taking in water and causing both him and
Merritt to shout and go into a panic.

They turned and took in more water, and Merritt, jumping up excitedly,
waving his arms and scolding both Herring and the steamer captain,
suddenly lost his balance and fell into the river.

"He can swim, can't he?" asked Jack, seeing the accident.

"Yes, and there are other boats on the river. Let them pick the
fellow up. Serves him right, anyhow. He ought to keep still in
a boat."

Merritt speedily came up, swam to the boat and tried to clamber
aboard, Herring shouting at him and warning him off.

"Get out, you'll upset me!" he shouted. "Why didn't you keep still?
You're as clumsy as a cow in a boat, you are. Get out of here, or
I'll hit you! Keep away, I tell you!"

"There is a rowboat coming," said Percival, turning his head. "He
will be all right, but he'll have to go back to the Academy in wet
clothes. No danger of catching cold now, but he'll be a sight all
the same, and serves him just right."

Herring kept on, but made for the railroad wharf, while the rowboat