noon
I do n't want my lad to grow up with a pair of bow legs like a groom , and probably something worse , from living on horseback before his bones are set . You see I have a good reason for what I do . '' But I think that the lessons Sam liked best of all were the swimming lessons , and at a very early age he could swim and dive like a black , and once when disporting himself in the water , when not more than thirteen , poor Sam nearly had a stop put to his bathing for ever , and that in a very frightful manner . His father and he had gone down to bathe one hot noon ; the Major had swum out and was standing on the rock wiping himself while Sam was still disporting in the mid-river ; as he watched the boy he saw what seemed a stick upon the water , and then , as he perceived the ripple around it , the horrible truth burst on the affrighted father : it was a large black snake crossing the river , and poor little Sam was swimming straight towards it , all unconscious of his danger . The Major cried out and waved his hand ; the boy , seeing something was wrong , turned and made for the shore , and the next moment his father , bending his body back , hurled himself through the air and alighted in the water alongside of him , clutching him round the body , and heading down the river with furious strokes . `` Do n't cling , Sam , or get frightened ; make for the shore . '' The lad , although terribly frightened at he knew not what , with infinite courage seconded his father 's efforts although he felt sinking .