To this suggestion
Benjamin partially assented. He wished to go to the cathedral in the
morning, but thought his father had better rest after dinner. Baruch
somewhat resented the insinuation of possible fatigue consequent on
advancing years.
'What do you mean?' he said; 'you know well enough I enjoy a walk in
the afternoon; besides, I shall not see much of you, and do not want
to lose what little time I have.'
About three, therefore, they started, and presently a girl met them,
who was introduced simply as 'Miss Masters.'
'We are going to your side of the water,' said the son; 'you may as
well cross with us.'
They came to a point where a boat was moored, and a man was in it.
There was no regular ferry, but on Sundays he earned a trifle by
taking people to the opposite meadow, and thus enabling them to vary
their return journey to the city. When they were about two-thirds of
the way over, Benjamin observed that if they stood up they could see
the Minster. They all three rose, and without an instant's warning--
they could not tell afterwards how it happened--the boat half
capsized, and they were in eight or nine feet of water. Baruch could
not swim and went down at once, but on coming up close to the gunwale
he caught at it and held fast. Looking round, he saw that Benjamin,
who could swim well, had made for Miss Masters, and, having caught
her by the back of the neck, was taking her ashore.
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