ome on--scout's job 'ere.'

The old white horse was not hooking it very fast. There was no need
that he should. The stout lady jogged a few steps, then settled into a
walk. The old horse cropped the grass beside the water till she was
close at his heels, then he jogged off a little and settled down to
grazing again. But the active scouts soon settled his hash. They
passed the stout lady at full speed, and ran down the old nag within
fifty yards. Then Dick led him back to the barge-woman, who was
mopping a hot red face with a big red handkerchief.

'Well, I'm more'n a bit obliged to yer,' she panted, 'an' thank ye
kindly. The line parted, and I thought I never should ketch that
dratted ole creetur. Ah, ye good-for-nuthin',' she cried to the horse,
who now held down his nose and looked meekness itself, 'an' the good
missis I am to ye. Allus plenty to eat, and no whippin'.'

'He went off on a little beano,' said Chippy soothingly. 'Don't blame
'im. They all will when they get the chance. Now we'll rig 'im for ye
tight an' sound.'

The boys led the horse back to his deserted task, fished the broken
rope out of the water, and joined the parted ends with a sheet-bend
knot, such as all scouts learn to tie.

'Goin' to Newminster?' asked the bargewoman.

'Yes,' said Dick.

'In a hurry?'

'Not particularly,' he said.

'Why not ride along o' me? It ain't fast, but it's as easy as
anythin'.'

Now, neither scout would have confessed it to the other for worlds, but
each of them was feeling the three days' tramp a little; and besides,
the idea of gliding along the river-like canal on the barge, which was
very clean and gaily painted, was rather fascinating.

'You're very kind,' said Dick, and glanced at his comrade.

'I'd like it prime,' murmured Chippy.

'Jump on,' said the stout lady; and the scouts were aboard in an
instant.

Dick was less familiar with a barge than Chippy, and he inspected with
the deepest interest the snug, neat little cabin, as bright and clean
as a new pin, with its little stove, its narrow seats, its shelves, and
cupboards, with everything stowed away in shipshape fashion, the whole
place reminding him of a room in a big doll's house.

Chippy complimented the lady of the barge on the smartness of her ship.

'We keep it as tidy as we know 'ow,' she replied. 'Me an' my 'usband
we niver tek' dirty loads--coals, or anythin' like that. Crockery an'
earthenware we got under the ca