The canoes were pretty well loaded down but the party set out bravely. For some time the river was deep and by hard paddling they made progress against the current. Then they came to a rapid. Mr. Waterman got out and went up the stream. In a little while he returned and stated that he thought they could get up all right if they poled. Then the boys saw how this was done. Generally they kept near the shore. The man with the pole stood in the rear and shoved the boat along. It was necessary to be real clever with the pole, as any one can make sure of by trying this manoeuver some time in fast water. Finally they got up the first rapid, though frequently the boys thought that they were due for a wetting. When they came to the next rapids Joe told Mr. Waterman that he knew these rapids well and that it would be necessary to portage. Joe said that it was a full hour's portage, meaning that it was nearly two miles. They landed and were soon headed up the stream, laden with their canoes and duffle bags. It was hard work, though they found a well-beaten trail leading up the river. They got glimpses of the cool waters of the Escoumains as it dashed foaming from rock to rock. They could hardly admire the scenery, for they were all well weighed down with their packs or canoes. At last they came out at the head of the rapids and found a fine sheet of water ahead of them. In fact, as often happens, they found the river broad and slow-flowing for several miles, and they made steady progress.
"Keep your eye out for a good camping place," said Mr. Waterman. Hardly had he said this than they came around a curve of the river and saw before them a little opening in the woods that had been cleared. A little stream ran down into the larger river, forming a sand bar near its mouth.
"Here's the place," said Mr. Anderson.
As if by one consent they all steered for the shore and quickened their strokes. In a little while they were practically ready for the night. It was well that they had stopped, for it was now close to six o'clock and they were all getting very hungry.
"Hurry up the grub, Jack," said Mr. Waterman. "I could eat a moccasin."
"I eat moccasin before now," said Joe. "It ees hard to chew."
"When was that?" asked Bill, who scented a story.
"It was many year ago, when I very hungry in dees wood," said Joe.
"Let's have the story after supper," said Mr. Anderson.
"Oh, no, it is too difficile for me to speak Engleesh," replied Joe.