doublets before entering
the water, as these, buoyed up as they were, would not affect their
swimming, and would be a necessary protection when they landed not only
against the cold of the night air but against the bushes.

Malcolm's beacon proved an accurate guide, for he had not proceeded
twenty yards before he came against a solid object which he at once felt
to be the boat. A low whistle called the sergeant to his side, bringing
with him the rollers and paddles from the spot where they had landed.
They soon felt that the boat was a large one, and that their strength
would have been wholly insufficient to get her into the water without
the aid of the lever and rollers. Taking the former they placed its end
under the stern post, and placing a roller under its heel to serve as a
pivot they threw their weight on the other end of the lever and at once
raised the boat some inches in the air.

Grant held the lever down and Malcolm slid a roller as far up under
the keel as it would go; the lever was then shifted and the boat again
raised, and the process was continued until her weight rested upon three
rollers. She was now ready to be launched, and as the bank was steep
they had no doubt of their ability to run her down. An examination had
already shown that their paddles would be needless, as the oars were
inside her. They took their places one on each side of the bow, and
applying their strength the boat glided rapidly down.

"Gently, Grant," Malcolm said, "don't let her go in with a splash. There
may be some sentries within hearing."

They continued their work cautiously, and the boat noiselessly entered
the water. Getting out the oars they gave her a push, and she was soon
floating down the stream. The rowlocks were in their places, and rowing
with extreme care so as to avoid making the slightest sound they made
their way across the river. They were below the camp when they landed,
but there were many men on the lookout, for the news of the attempt had
spread rapidly.

Leaping ashore amidst a low cheer from a group of soldiers, Malcolm
directed them to tow the boat up at once to the place where the troops
were formed ready for crossing, while he and the sergeant, who were
both chilled to the bone, for their clothes had frozen stiff upon them,
hurried to the spot where the regiment was bivouacked. Here by the side
of a blazing fire they stripped, and were rubbed with cloths by their
comrades till a glow of warmth ag