Many years ago when the summers seemed longer and life was less complicated, we had rented a cottage 31 a river in the heart of the country 32 the whole family was going to 33 a three-week holiday. There were four of us: me, Mum and Dad, and Mum’s sister, Auntie June. Oh, and I mustn’t forget to 34 Spot, our little dog. I was 35 to go off by myself all day, 36 I promised to be careful and took Spot with me for 37. One day I was out fishing with Spot when we heard a lot of shouting in the 38 followed by a scream and splash. I was a bit 39 so I called Spot and we both hid 40 a bush where we could see but not be 41 . After a few moments, a straw hat came drifting down the river, followed by an oar, a picnic basket and 42 oar. Then came the rowing boat itself, but it was 43 upside down ! A few seconds later my Dad and Auntie June came running 44 the river bank, both wet 45 . Spot started barking so I came out of hiding and said hello. My Dad got really angry 46 me for not trying to catch the boat as it went past. Luckily, 47 , the boat and both the oars had been caught by an overhanging tree a little further downstream, but not the hat or picnic basket. So I had to let them 48 my sandwiches. Dad and Auntie June both made me 49 not to tell Mum what had happened 50 she would be worried. 31.

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