This haven was discovered none too soon, for the severe straining the raft had had in the whirlpool had loosened the cords that held the logs and they threatened to come apart and let all into the water.
The remaining food was very much soaked, but their appetites were keen enough to eat the whole of it just as it was.
Two more days would see all of their provisions gone, and, realizing this fact, Sam proposed dividing what was left so as to last over three days, but against this arrangement Ike and Wall Shin entered a protest.
"Now, Mistah Sam," said Ike, "I ain't got nigh so much sinse as you has, but it'd been a heap sight bettah if you jest took my edvice."
"Your advice about what, Ike?" asked Sam.
"'Bout dat grub."
"What about it?"
"I proposed, night afore last, we should all go in and eat all we could—now, didn't I?"
"I believe, Ike, you did say something like that."
"An' you said 'no;' so w'at's the consekence?"