"Not less than two miles," I replied.
"I will try to do it," said she, with all the courage she could muster.
After going half the distance, we met the men who were carrying the boat. They had laid it on a couple of poles, and were bearing it on their shoulders. By this time poor Ella was almost fainting with exhaustion.
"We kin tote the gal in the boat," said Kit.
"She cannot sit on the keel of it," replied Mr. Gracewood; for the soldiers had placed it bottom upwards on the sticks.
"We kin turn it t'other side up," added Kit. "Drop that boat, sogers."
Night Journey through the Forest.
Page 169.
The men, who were full of sympathy for Ella, laid the boat upon the ground. Kit turned it over, and with the painter and another line, slung it to the poles right side up. Ella seated herself in the barge, and the soldiers lifted it up, placing the poles upon their shoulders. The march was resumed, and occasionally Kit and Mr. Gracewood relieved the men, so that it was not very hard work. We reached the river, and embarked.
"Take care of yourself. There'll be a big fight to-morrer, and the Injuns'll git squeezed."