Then, finding that his fingers could take no hold on the slippery concrete wall of the basin, with his sound leg he had pushed himself out from it and grasped the barge's head-rope.

All this, between groans, he managed to explain to the policeman, who, having sent for an ambulance stretcher, called for volunteers to carry him home; for home Dr.Glasson insisted on being taken, putting aside--and with great firmness--the suggestion that he would be better in hospital.
Sam Blossom was among the first to offer his services.

But here his master interposed.
"No, no, my lad," said Mr.Hucks genially, "you've behaved pretty creditable already, and now you can give the others a turn.

The man's all right, or will be by to-morrow; and as it happens," he added in a lower tone, "I want five minutes' talk with you, and at once." They watched while the sufferer was hoisted into his stretcher.

So the escort started, the policeman walking close behind and the crowd following the policeman.
"Now," said Mr.Hucks as they passed out of sight, "you'll just step into the yard and answer a few questions.