American library books Β» Fiction Β» Joe the Hotel Boy; Or, Winning out by Pluck by Pluck by Jr. Horatio Alger (novels to read .txt) πŸ“•

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with that new suit.”

β€œI didn't expect to wear the suit out on the lake, but in this case I'll keep it on,” answered Joe.

β€œI find it pays to keep well dressed, when you take out the summer boarders,” answered the old boatman. β€œAnd it pays to keep the boats in good shape, too.”

β€œWhere am I to get the party?”

β€œOver to the dock of Mallison's Hotel. One of the ladies is Mallison's niece.”

β€œWhy don't they take a hotel boat?”

β€œAll engaged, two days ago. It's a busy season. But I've got to be going. You had better go over to the dock at once. They want to go out at three o'clock sharp.”

β€œVery well, I'll be on hand,” answered our hero.





CHAPTER VI.

AN ACCIDENT ON THE LAKE.

Joe certainly presented a neat appearance when he rowed over to the hotel dock. Before going he purchased a new collar and a dark blue tie, and these, with his new suit and new cap, set him off very well.

The boat had been cleaned in the morning, and when the ladies appeared they inspected the craft with satisfaction.

β€œWhat a nice clean boat,” said Mabel Mallison, the niece of the proprietor of the hotel.

β€œAnd a nice clean boatman, too,” whispered one of her friends. β€œI couldn't bear that man we had day before yesterday, with his dirty hands and the tobacco juice around his mouth.”

The ladies to go out were four in number, and two sat in the bow and two in the stern. It made quite a heavy load, but as they were not out for speed our hero did not mind it.

β€œWe wish to go up to Fern Rock,” said Mabel Mallison. β€œThey tell me there are some beautiful ferns to be gathered there.”

β€œThere are,” answered Joe. β€œI saw them last week.”

β€œAnd I wish to get some nice birch bark if I can,” said another of the ladies.

β€œI can get you plenty of it.”

Joe rowed along in his best style, and while doing so the ladies of the party asked him numerous questions concerning the lake and vicinity. When Fern Rock was reached, all went ashore, and our hero pointed out the ferns he had seen, and dug up such as the others wished to take along. An hour was spent over the ferns, and in getting some birch bark, and then they started on the return for the hotel.

β€œI'd like to row,” cried one of the ladies, a rather plump personage.

β€œOh, Jennie, I don't think you can!” cried another.

β€œOf course I can,” answered Jennie, and sprang up from her seat to take the oars.

β€œBe careful!” came in a warning from Joe, as the boat began to rock.

β€œOh, I'm not afraid!” said the plump young lady, and leaned forward to catch hold of one oar. Just then her foot slipped and she fell on the gunwale, causing the boat to tip more than ever. As she did this, Mabel Mallison, who was leaning over the side, gazing down into the clear waters of the lake, gave a shriek.

β€œOh, save me!” came from her, and then she went over, with a loud splash.

Joe was startled, and the ladies left in the boat set up a wail of terror.

β€œShe will be drowned!”

β€œOh, save her! Save her, somebody!”

β€œIt is my fault!” shrieked the plump young lady. β€œI tipped the boat over!”

Joe said nothing, but looked over the side of the boat. He saw the body of Mabel Mallison not far away. But it was at the lake bottom and did not offer to rise.

β€œIt's queer she doesn't come up,” he thought.

Then he gave a second look and saw that the dress of the unfortunate one was caught in some sharp rocks. Without hesitation he dived overboard, straight for the bottom.

It was no easy matter to unfasten the garment, which was caught in a crack between two heavy stones. But at the second tug it came free, and a moment later both our hero and Mabel Mallison came to the surface.

β€œOh!” cried two of the ladies in the row-boat. β€œIs she drowned?”

β€œI trust not,” answered Joe. β€œSit still, please, or the boat will surely go over.”

As best he could Joe hoisted Mabel into the craft and then clambered in himself. As he did so the unfortunate girl gave a gasp and opened her eyes.

β€œOh!” she murmured.

β€œYou are safe now, Mabel!” said one of her companions.

β€œAnd to think it was my fault!” murmured the plump young lady. β€œI shall never forgive myself as long as I live!”

Mabel Mallison had swallowed some water, but otherwise she was unhurt. But her pretty blue dress was about ruined, and Joe's new suit did not look near as well as it had when he had donned it.

β€œLet us row for the hotel,” said one of the young ladies. β€œAre you all right?” she asked of Joe.

β€œYes, ma'am, barring the wetting.”

β€œIt was brave of you to go down after Mabel.”

β€œIndeed it was!” cried that young lady. β€œIf it hadn't been for you I might have been drowned.” And she gave a deep shudder.

β€œI saw she was caught and that's why I went over after her,” answered our hero simply. β€œIt wasn't so much to do.”

All dripping as he was, Joe caught up the oars of the boat and sent the craft in the direction of the hotel at a good speed. That she might not take cold, a shawl was thrown over Mabel's wet shoulders.

The arrival of the party at the hotel caused a mild sensation. Mabel hurried to her room to put on dry clothing, and Joe was directed to go around to the kitchen. But when the proprietor of the place had heard what Joe had done for his niece he sent the lad to a private apartment and provided him with dry clothing belonging to another who was of our hero's size.

β€œThat was a fine thing to do, young man,” said the hotel proprietor, when Joe appeared, dressed in the dry garments, and his own clothing had been sent to the laundry to be dried and pressed.

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