here's somebody!"

It was Rufus who suddenly joined the group, whip in hand, and
looking like a young Achilles in ploughman's coat and
trousers. Not Achilles' port could be more lordly; the very
fine bright hazel eye was on fire; the nostril spoke, and the
lip quivered; though he looked only at his brother.

"What's the matter, Winthrop?"

"I've been in the water, as you see," said his brother
composedly. "I want a change of clothes, rather."

"How did you get into the water?"

"Why, head foremost -- which wasn't what I meant to do."

"Sam, you put him in!"

"He, he! -- well, Mr. Rufus, maybe I helped him a leetle."

"You scoundrel!" said Rufus, drawing the whip through his
fingers; "what did you do it for?"

"He, he! -- I didn't know but what it was you, Will."

For all answer, the ox-whip was laid about Sam's legs, with
the zest of furious indignation; a fury there was no standing
against. It is true, Rufus's frame was no match for the
hardened one of Mr. Doolittle, though he might be four or five