In half an hour they reached the shore, but had to coast along for some time before they found a place free of rocks.
"This will do, Luka, we are not a minute too soon; those puffs just now were so strong that we made no way against them. Now, then, jump out and get the canoe high and dry."
They had retained their long boots, and stepped out into water up to their knees. Then they lifted the canoe and carried it ashore.
"It is heavier than it was when we put it in," Luka said.
"I should think so. What with the furs and provisions, candles, and one thing and another, there must be a hundred and fifty pounds weight in her. There, put her down here, Luka, and let us get the other up. We must take the things out first. Quick, man, the wind is getting up fast. Isn't it cold; we shall want our fur jackets on directly." The firewood and provisions were carried up some distance above the water's edge, and then the boat was lifted and placed beside them. A thick sleet had now set in, and the wind was blowing with tremendous gusts.
"Now, then, look about, Luka, and see if you can find a sheltered nook. I will pile stones into the well of the canoe so as to anchor her safely. If she were to be rolled over and over her skin would soon be cut to pieces."
Before he had finished this Luka returned. "Good place here," he said. "Good shelter."
"We'll finish this job first, Luka. This is much more important than our getting wet."
As soon as it was done they went to the large canoe, and lifting it carried it away to the place Luka had found—a ridge of rock running back at a right angle from the shore, with a perpendicular face some twelve feet high. At one point there was a deep cleft in it, some eight feet wide at the mouth and narrowing gradually in.
"Capital, Luka; we shall be as snug as possible here. Now, turn her over and take her in."