In a few moments the bow of the first steamer emerged from behind the timber point, and then appeared her tall smoke stacks, with the little pilot-house between them, towering above the dazzling white woodwork of her cabins.
"The Chippewa Falls!" exclaimed every one in a breath, as she steamed majestically into full view.
Close behind her came the Alone and then the spectators watched the bend for the third steamer, the old Island City, so pleasantly remembered by the staff officers. But she did not appear; and shortly the Chippewa Falls glided up to the bank and a landing plank was thrown out. General Sully stepped aboard and heartily grasped the hand of Captain Hutchison, saying,
"I am delighted to see you, Captain. We are badly in need of you. How long have you been waiting for us?"
"Ten days," replied Captain Hutchison, broadly smiling his pleasure at seeing the army after his tedious days of expectation.
"So long? I congratulate you on your quick trip up this unknown river," said the General.
"Rea, back here with the Alone, and I, have been the first to navigate it," replied the Captain, with a little pardonable pride.
"Rea and you?" exclaimed the General, anxiously. "Where is Lamont with the Island City?"