“Now to get the boats through,” said Mr. Holton, beginning to unload their contents.
The canoes were heavy, even with the provisions removed, and it required all the combined strength of the whites and the Indian crew to get them beyond the rough stretch. But the undertaking was finally finished.
Next the provisions were carried around, placed in the boats, and the latter were moved into the river. At last the strenuous task was completed.
“Ready to go again?” asked Joe.
“It’s about noon,” said Professor Bigelow. “I suggest that we get a lunch.”
The others agreed, and an ample repast was prepared.
Then Mr. Lewis advised that they take it easy under low palm trees. The others, with the exception of Bob and Joe, were glad of a chance to repose. The boys, however, were restless and eager to explore the surrounding territory. Unlike their elders, their tireless limbs cried out for action, even after hard labor.
“We’ll be careful and not take any chances,” Joe assured the men.
But had they realized what dangerous country they were in, they would never have started out.