"Let us try to get the sweeps between the tree limbs and the houseboat," suggested Harold Bird. "Perhaps we can thus pry ourselves loose."
All were willing to try the plan, and while the young Southerner took one sweep Dick took another, with Sam and Tom to help them.
It was no easy matter to get the sweeps into position, for there was danger of one or another slipping overboard. To protect themselves each of the workers wound a rope around his waist and made the end fast to a stanchion.
"Now then, all together!" cried Dick, when the sweeps were finally in proper position, and they strained with all their might. Then came a crack, as one sweep broke, and Harold Bird and Sam were hurled flat on their backs on the deck.
"Never mind, better luck next time," said Songbird, as he brought another sweep forward.
They adjusted the new sweep with care and pulled on it gradually. At first the houseboat refused to budge, but presently it swung around a little and then more and more.
"Hurrah! we are getting her!" yelled Tom. "Now then, all together, as the tomcat said to the boys with the brickbats."
They strained and the houseboat came loose, but alas! at that moment both sweeps slipped and
