Getting out of the worst of the hyacinth net, the Scouts tried several inlets which offered promise. None led to open water.
Haredia was able to move the boat slowly now by means of the crippled motor. But stretches of clear going were few and far between. For the greater part of the time, the Scouts were forced to pole. Their hands became blistered and their backs sore.
By dint of exhausting work, they finally brought the boat to an area of sparse hyacinth growth. Three passages opened before them. Haredia steered toward one of them.
“Let’s take the other opening,” Jack proposed. “It looks less clogged with plants.”
Haredia acted as if he had not heard. Jack repeated the suggestion. Still there was no response. The other Scouts had stopped poling, allowing the boat to drift.
Haredia started to turn on the disabled motor.
“Wait!” Jack said tersely. “Let’s talk this over. You admit you’re lost.”
“We will find the passage in time.”
“But one looks the same as another.” Jack went on. “It’s just a process of elimination—trying them one at a time?”
“That is right, Senor.”