"I'm sure I did not know that she had moved an inch," added Flora.
"That's strange," I continued, laughing. "When I came out of the swamp, I couldn't find the raft, and I was afraid you would get to New Orleans before I could catch you. Then I feared Sim had fallen overboard; and I suffered a great deal in a very short time."
"I heven't been out of the house since you went away, and I heven't the leastest idee that we were goin' on," said Sim. "I'll stay outside next time."
"You must, Sim; for we shall never know where we are if you don't keep your eyes wide open."
"What was it about the money, Buckland? Sim said you had forgotten your money; but he did not know what you meant by it," asked Flora.
I explained what I meant, and that I had concealed my money in the swamp to prevent the constable or the captain from finding it upon me.
"I am so sorry I called Sim!" pleaded poor Flora.
"It's no matter now. Perhaps it will be a good lesson for him and me to learn at the start. Now we will push off and try again. It is lucky I thought of the money when I did, for we could do nothing without that. Come, Sim, bear a hand!"
"Buckland, can't I step out and see the raft go?" asked Flora. "I don't like to stay in here."
"I'm afraid you will catch cold."