First the sides were built up to a height of about three feet; then a top was placed over about half of the length and fastened on securely. The material was so light that no difference in the standing of the boat was noticed. Yet Otari said that the tough wood would withstand a blow from any kind of native weapon. To prove this, he ordered one of his men to shoot an arrow at close range, and the sharp-pointed missile merely glanced off the wood and fell into the river.
The explorers were well pleased with this floating fort, and stood for some time admiring its staunch construction.
“Now to get to the other boat,” said Mr. Lewis, picking up a hammer and nails.
In less than an hour the second enclosure was built on the other canoe, and it appealed also to the explorers.
“Let’s get started at once,” said Professor Bigelow.
The last of their belongings was packed into the compartments, and then, with a sincere farewell to Otari and his tribe, the crew paddled them upstream on another stretch of the great river journey.
What new adventures and thrills awaited them?