"It was too close—far too close."
Nicko said, "It seems to me the important thing now is where we go from here."
"We carry the raft down those rocks and beyond the rough water."
"But why all that effort? Couldn't we be as happy up here as down there?"
"All rivers lead to civilization," Mike said. "Or at least, they lead to the places civilization naturally springs up."
"A logical observation."
"Also, I've got a hunch about this river. I may be wrong but I think it might take us right where we want to go. I'll bet there are interesting things ahead."
Mike turned and directed his words to Doree. "That papyrus your father translated said the forefathers of the Egyptians sought a planet similar to their own. Perhaps the similarity had to be more than general. Such a thing is indicated by their traveling around for several lifetimes. Anyhow, except for the tropical climate, this river bears a great resemblance to one of the tributaries that feeds the Nile back on Terra."
"You're quite right," Doree marveled.