"Hello, we're going into a canyon soon, sure as blazes," remarked Dick, rather apprehensively. "I'll bet the old thing hits a rock and busts."
The valley began to narrow, and before many minutes had elapsed the raft was running between high, precipitous banks, then, swinging around a bend, the walls of a canyon came into view.
"We're in for it now," said Havens, with a long breath. "Wow!"
As they entered the dark gorge, a chilling breeze swept in their faces; the current fairly raced along, and, as the voyagers looked up at the straight walls of rock, they began to doubt the wisdom of their course. Rocks, and snags, too, were numerous.
"Mind your eye!" yelled Havens. "If we get dumped into this pocket, we'll be in a mess, sure enough."
"You bet we will," panted Bob. "Look out for that rock straight ahead, Jim. Now—both together."
By vigorous efforts, they once more kept clear of the obstruction, then, as the gorge became still narrower, they were obliged to redouble their efforts.
"Oh, ho, real exciting sport, this," remarked Dave.
"Just a bit too much so," grumbled Dick. "Wow! We're coming to another bend."
"Canyon ends just beyond it," called out Havens. "Look out, though, we're coming to the worst stretch of all."