followed. The Spray seemed inclined to list to port, but stopped
settling when her deck line touched the surface of the river.

"That settles yachting for the present," said Dick in deep
disgust.

"And the worst of it is, we haven't even a small boat to go
ashore in," added Sam. "What's to do?"

"There is a rowboat putting out from the shore now," cried Tom.
"Hullo, there!" he shouted, and waved his hand.

The shout was returned, and the rowboat was headed, in their
direction. As it came closer they saw that its occupant was a
middle-aged man of pleasant appearance.

"So you had a smash-up, eh?" shouted the man, as soon as he came
near. "Anybody hurt?"

"Our boat is hurt," answered Tom dryly.

"Much of a hole?"

"Big enough to put us on the bottom."

"So I see. Want me to take you ashore?"

"Yes," put in Dick, "if you will be kind enough to do it."

"Certainly; always willing to aid anybody in distress. That