powerful blows, a few minutes cutting brought it down with a
terrible crash.

"Hurrah! now for it," cried Jack; "let us off with its head."

So saying he began to cut through the stem again, at about six
yards from the thick end. This done, he cut three strong, short
poles or levers from the stout branches, with which to roll the log
down the beach into the sea; for, as it was nearly two feet thick
at the large end, we could not move it without such helps. With
the levers, however, we rolled it slowly into the sea.

Having been thus successful in launching our vessel, we next shaped
the levers into rude oars or paddles, and then attempted to embark.
This was easy enough to do; but, after seating ourselves astride
the log, it was with the utmost difficulty we kept it from rolling
round and plunging us into the water. Not that we minded that
much; but we preferred, if possible, to fish in dry clothes. To be
sure, our trousers were necessarily wet, as our legs were dangling
in the water on each side of the log; but, as they could be easily
dried, we did not care. After half an hour's practice, we became
expert enough to keep our balance pretty steadily. Then Peterkin
laid down his paddle, and having baited his line with a whole
oyster, dropt it into deep water.

"Now, then, Jack," said he, "be cautious; steer clear o' that sea-
weed. There; that's it; gently, now, gently. I see a fellow at
least a foot long down there, coming to - ha! that's it! Oh!
bother, he's off."