“We know that very well,” interrupted Ralph. “We have gone down there a dozen times with our minds fully made up that we would run those rapids, or smash our canoes in trying, and we have as often come back without making the attempt. When we reached the place where the water leaves the lake, and goes foaming and boiling over the rocks in the gorge below, our arms always went back on us.”
“Your arms?” repeated Sheldon.
“Yes. Our hearts were brave enough for any thing, but our cowardly arms wouldn’t pull the canoes into the rapids.”
“Oh!” said Sheldon. “Well, your cowardly arms were the wisest part of you, for you certainly ought not to try to go through until you know where the channel is. Those rapids have been run hundreds of times, though not always without accident to be sure, and if you will follow close in our wake to-morrow, we’ll take you safely to the bottom.”
“We must make an early start,” said Hastings, “for we want to reach the pond just about the time the first rays of the sun strike the water. Can you be ready at four o’clock? All right. Catch a good supply of minnows to-night, and then you won’t have to waste valuable time over it in the morning.”
“And take the strongest and stiffest bait-rod you have,” added Joe. “Leave your fly-rods, if you have any, at home, for you will have no use for them. About June 1st, when the bass season opens, those who know how to throw a fly have very fine fishing among the rocks close to the shore; but as the weather grows warmer the fish gradually draw off into deep water, and all the bass we shall catch to-morrow will be near the middle of the pond where the springs boil up.”
“And don’t forget your gun,” said Sheldon.
“Nor your rubber blankets,” chimed in Hastings.
“Do you think it will rain?” asked Ralph.
“We hope not, and indeed there are no signs of it. When we reach the head of the rapids we will pull off our heaviest clothing, so that we will be ready for a swim in case we are unlucky enough to capsize, and the things we don’t wear we will wrap up in our rubber blankets so that they won’t get wet.”