"Wa'al, dat's a heap sight moah comfotable way dan if we had to swim foh it," said Ike, with a sudden display of cheerfulness.
Sam now began to realize that their stock of provisions was small, that there was no way of replenishing them in the cañon, and that their stay in these depths was very indefinite, if, indeed, the chances were not all against their ever being able to get out.
He saw that it would be a mistaken kindness if he let the others or himself eat all that they desired, and great as his affection was for Maj, the dog, he regretted that the animal was along, for it made another and a very large mouth to feed.
With force and frankness he laid the case before his companions, and without a sign of dissent, they agreed to have the food so divided as to make it last for ten days, before which time the least hopeful was certain they would again be in the upper world.
A dinner of limited rations was at once eaten, and though it was ample, every one of them thought that he could easily eat as much more and not feel that he was playing the glutton.
Again the cargo was placed securely on the raft, and Maj walked demurely on board and lay down on top of the blankets.
After strengthening the raft by the addition of some pieces of light, dry cedar, it was freed from its moorings and pushed into the current.
The four passengers occupied the same relative positions as on the previous day, Sam standing in the stern and skilfully steering the float from the many angry-looking rocks that jutted into the swift current.
As the light began to fade, Sam gazed eagerly in front and on either side in the hope of being able to find some expansion or ledge on which they could land for the night. But an impenetrable darkness settled over them, and they were still afloat in the cañon.