Part 18 (1/2)

The broad, shallow channel at the end of the garden was full, and the willows that fringed the bit of green gra.s.s were far out into the water.

The water almost touched the bridge across the road, and filled the hollow along the embankment.

”And, besides, you are going to sail,” said Jem.

”I think it would be quite as pleasant to stay here.”

They were all sitting on the little gallery before the house. It must have been a charming place once, when the river could be seen from it, and the pretty view beyond. At present, nothing could be seen on that side but the high embankment, and the few rods of garden-ground. On the other side were the willows, already green and beautiful, and some early-budding shrubs and the gra.s.s. Then there was the water, flowing down between the two bridges, and, over all, the blue sky and the sweet spring air. It was a charming place still, or it seemed so to David and them all.

The garden-beds had already been made, and a great many green things were springing here and there, and, on a rugged old apple-tree and on some plum and cherry trees, the buds were beginning to show themselves.

The children were eager to be at work, but, for the present, that was not to be thought of. However, there was much to be said about the garden, and about the seeds which were to be sown, and Jessie was eager about a plan for covering the high embankment with squash-vines and scarlet-runners. Fred wanted to keep bees, and ducks if they could have them, but bees certainly; and amid the happy clamour which their voices made there came a shout, and, from under the railway bridge from the river, a boat was seen advancing.

”Here we are at last!” called out Frank Oswald; ”and it looks very much as if here we must stay. We cannot get any further, Phil.”

The Inglis children were soon as near the boat as the willows and the water would permit. There seemed to be no way of getting the boat to the bank, for the willows were far out into the water, and through them it could not be forced.

”You'll have to land on the other side and go round by the bridge,” said Jem.

They were not using oars. That would have been impossible in a channel so narrow. They were pus.h.i.+ng the boat through the water by means of a long pole, but it was not very easily managed, because of the shallowness of the water and the bushes that grew on the margin.

”Jem is right; we must go to the other side,” said Frank.

”Not I,” said his brother, as he planted his pole firmly on the bank, measuring the distance with his eye. Then throwing himself forward with a sudden spring, he was over the willows and over the water beyond, landing safely on the nicely-prepared onion-bed.

”Well done!” cried Jem.

”Not at all well done,” said Frank, who had only saved himself from being overturned into the water by grasping a branch near him.

Philip only laughed, as he shook hands with Mrs Inglis and Violet.

”Take my place in the boat and have a row on the river,” said he, as he sat down on the steps near them. ”I have had enough of it for awhile.”

Jem was nothing loth, but he looked at his mother for permission.

”Is it quite safe, do you think?” asked she hesitating.

”Oh! quite safe. Frank understands all about it; and so does Jem, I dare say.”

”Mamma!” entreated Ned.

”And mamma!” entreated Jessie.

On the Gourlay river the boys had paddled about at their own pleasure, and their mother was not inclined to be unreasonably anxious about them.

She knew it would be a great delight to them all to be permitted to go.

”But there is not room for all; and Mr Oswald will not care to be troubled with so many children.”

”Let them go with the boys--there is no danger, and I will wait here,”

said Philip. ”Only you must promise to come back within a reasonable time, Jem.”