Awkward Moments

I remember Harris telling me once of a bathing experience he had at
Boulogne. He was swimming about there near the beach, when he felt
himself suddenly seized by the neck from behind, and forcibly plunged
under water. He struggled violently, but whoever had got hold of him
seemed to be a perfect Hercules in strength, and all his efforts to
escape were unavailing. He had given up kicking, and was trying to
turn his thoughts upon solemn things, when his captor released him.

He regained his feet, and looked round for his would-be murderer. The
assassin was standing close by him, laughing heartily, but the moment
he caught sight of Harris’s face, as it emerged from the water, he
started back and seemed quite concerned.

“I really beg your pardon,” he stammered confusedly, “but I took you
for a friend of mine!”

Harris thought it was lucky for him the man had not mistaken him for a
relation, or he would probably have been drowned outright.

http://www.authorama.com/three-men-in-a-boat-15.html