slope of the forest was so steep that they were forced to
run, rather than walk, and this would have prevented any conversation,
even if they had otherwise felt inclined toward it. In less than half an
hour they were through. A flat, open landscape lay stretched in front of
them as far as they could see.

Three parts of this country consisted of smooth water. It was a
succession of large, low-shored lakes, divided by narrow strips of
tree-covered land. The lake immediately before them had its small end to
the forest. It was there about a third of a mile wide. The water at the
sides and end was shallow, and choked with dolm-colored rushes; but
in the middle, beginning a few yards from the shore, there was a
perceptible current away from them. In view of this current, it was
difficult to decide whether it was a lake or a river. Some little
floating islands were in the shallows.

"Is it here that we take to the water?" inquired Maskull.

"Yes, here," answered Gangnet.

"But how?"

"One of those islands will serve. It only needs to move it into the
stream."

Maskull frowned. "Where will it carry us to?"

"Come, get on, get on!" said Krag, laughing uncouthly. "The morning's
wearing away, and you have to die before noon. We are going to the
Ocean."

"If you are omniscient, Krag, what is my death to be?"

"Gangnet will murder you."

"You lie!" said Gangnet. "I wish Maskull nothing but good."

"At all events, he will be the cause of your death. But what does it
matter? The great point is you are quitting this futile world.... Well,
Gangnet, I see you're as slack as ever. I suppose I must do the work."

He jumped into the lake and began to run through the shallow water,
splashing it about. When he came to the nearest island, the water was
up to his thighs. The island was lozenge-shaped, and about fifteen feet
from end to end. It was composed of a sort of light brown peat; there
was no form of living vegetation on its surface. Krag went behind it,
and started shoving it toward the current, apparently without having
unduly to exert himself. When it was within the influence of the stream
the others waded out to him, and all three climbed on.

The voyage began. The current was not travelling at more than two miles
an hour. The sun glared down on their heads mercilessly, and there
was no shade or prospect of shade. Maskull sat down near the edge, and
periodically splashed water over his head. Gangnet sat on his haunch