It fell at a short distance from him into the water, went down for a moment out of sight, and then, shooting out for half its length, it fell over upon its side and began to float away.
[Illustration: "TOSS."] Hereupon ensued just such a scene of laughter shouts, and confusion as might have been expected.

All began to shout out exclamations and orders, and to give directions how to proceed to recover the lost oar.
The boys whose oars were still left, thrust them confusedly into the water, and began pushing, poking, and paddling with them, in order to get the boat out to where Joseph's oar was floating.

All this time Forester remained on the bank, laughing at this specimen of nautical command and subordination.
After a time the oar was recovered, and Marco, after much scolding and vociferation, got his crew in order again.

Forester said that he would remain where he was, on the bank, until Marco had tried his oarsmen a little.

So Marco went on giving his orders.