e river, and then anything
floating on its own hook will be carried away from us," replied
Washburn.

"The logic is correct, and we will seek such a place as you describe."

The sight of the flatboat assured me that it was not safe to run in the
night, at least during high water, when the current was bearing off
houses, vessels, and other cumbrous things. Running over a floating log
might disable our propeller, and we should be helpless then. There were
but few great bends in this part of the river, much as the mighty
stream twists about above New Orleans. I kept a lookout for a suitable
place to moor the steamer to the shore.

The supper-bell had just rung when I saw such a place as I had been
looking for. On the right bank was a point of land where a considerable
bend sent the whole force of the powerful current over to the other
side of the river. I rang the bell to reduce the speed, as I pointed
out the spot to the mate. He ran the nose of the boat up to the bank,
and Buck jumped ashore with a line, with which a hawser was drawn to
the land. It was made fast to a pine-tree, and no other line seemed to
be needed.

I could see the Islander about two miles down the river. We all went
down to supper except a hand to notify us of danger from any source. I
was not at my meal more than fifteen minutes, for I had dined late.
When I came on deck, the Islander was almost abreast of the Sylvania.
Colonel Shepard was in the pilot-house with the captain, and they
seemed to be in earnest conversation.

Probably Captain Blastblow had not thought of hauling up for the night
any more than I had when Washburn spoke to me about the matter. I had
no doubt they were discussing the same subject which the mate and I had
disposed of.

"What are you doing here, Captain Alick?" shouted Captain Blastblow, as
he rang his speed-bell.

"Waiting for the Islander to come up with us," I replied, laughing, for
I could not be less good-natured than the captain of the Islander.

"Did you have to tie up to the bank to wait?" asked Captain Blastblow;
and by this time the steamer was working just steam enough to balance
her in the current, so that she was nearly stationary.

"We are going to lie here to-night," I replied.

"What for?"

"Did you meet a flatboat floating down the river about an hour ago?" I
asked, thinking that would furnish sufficient explanation of my action.

"I did; I ran into it, and smashed in one of its sides so that