`` Well , he came just in time . I could n't have held on another minute -- was so done up I could n't have moved or spoken all the way here even if he had n't commanded me to keep perfectly still . '' Natty returned at this moment and exclaimed , `` Why , it is Mr. Barr . I did n't recognize you before . '' `` Barr it is , young man . This gentleman is my friend , Mr. Blackmore . We have been celebrating Victoria Day by a shooting tramp over Little Bear . We hired a boat from Ford at the Harbour Head this morning -- the Cockawee , he called her -- and sailed over . I do n't know much about running a boat , but Blackmore here thinks he does . We were at the other side of the island when the fog came up . We hurried across it , but it was almost dark when we reached our boat . We sailed around the point and then the boat just simply upset -- do n't know why -- '' `` But I know why , '' interrupted Natty indignantly . `` That Cockawee does nothing but upset . She has turned turtle twice out in the harbour in fine weather . Ford was a rascal to let her to you . He might have known what would happen . Why -- why -- it was almost murder to let you go ! '' `` I thought there must be something queer about her , '' declared Mr. Blackmore . `` I do know how to handle a boat despite my friend 's gibe , and there was no reason why she should have upset like that . That Ford ought to be horsewhipped . ''
Thanks XXXXX Prue 's stinging hot decoctions of black currant drink , the two gentlemen were no worse for their drenching and exposure , and the next morning Natty took them to the mainland in the Merry Maid .
across around by despite if like of on over to