In their eagerness to secure him all four did their utmost to
leap upon him at the same time.
A most amazing result, however, followed their desperate attempt.
Despite his efforts to save himself, Fred, who pluckily was in
advance, was pushed over the edge of the slip and with a loud
splash fell into the river. Before he could check himself John
followed his example. A yell came from Fred when he arose to the
surface because at that moment the intruder, whom they had
discovered in the boat-house, also followed the example set by
the boys.
Meanwhile George and Grant had broken into loud laughter. George
was bowed and slapping his sides as he moved about the room.
Grant was laughing almost as loudly as his companion, although he
did not move from the place where he was standing.
"Give us a hand," called Fred. "I can't see the ladder."
"It's right in front of you," suggested George, advancing to the
edge and looking down into the water which was only about four
feet below him. "There it is. Follow the sound of my voice."
"I don't see what there is so funny about all this," sputtered
Fred as he climbed to the floor.
"Funny!" exclaimed Grant. "It beats anything I ever experienced."
"What's the trouble?" demanded John, who now also had climbed out
of the water. His elongated form only partly clothed, his
garments dripping and clinging to his slim body, increased the
weirdness of his appearance.
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