During a country ramble Mr. and Mrs. Softleigh found themselves in a
pretty little dilemma. They had to cross a stream in a small boat which
was capable of carrying only 150 lbs. weight. But Mr. Softleigh and his
wife each weighed exactly 150 lbs., and each of their sons weighed 75
lbs. And then there was the dog, who could not be induced on any terms
to swim. On the principle of "ladies first," they at once sent Mrs.
Softleigh over; but this was a stupid oversight, because she had to come
back again with the boat, so nothing was gained by that operation. How
did they all succeed in getting across? The reader will find it much
easier than the Softleigh family did, for their greatest enemy could not
have truthfully called them a brilliant quartette--while the dog was a
perfect fool.