s on a large rock nearly in the middle of the stream,
which afforded us a resting-place, but how we were to reach the bank was
the question.

We sat down very disconsolate to discuss the matter. It did not do just
then to think too much of the future. Our first business was to get on
shore where food was to be obtained; though, fortunately, having had a
good supper we were not hungry. As far as we could judge in the
darkness, the way to the left bank was most practicable; but even in
that direction there were broad places to be passed, across which we
might be unable to wade.

We had gone through many adventures, but this was the most trying and
perhaps the most dangerous. The rapids below us boiled and foamed, and
ran with great force. Should we lose our footing we might be carried
away and dashed against the rocks.

"Though this is not a pleasant place on which to pass the night, I think
we shall do wisely to remain here till daylight will enable us better to
see our way," observed Alick.

Our position was too uncomfortable to allow us to sleep; indeed, had we
done so we should have run the risk of slipping off into the water. We
therefore discussed various plans for getting on shore.

"If we had but a rope we might do it without danger," said Martin, "and
I think we have materials enough to manufacture one. The sail cut up
and twisted will form a good length."

"You shall have my overcoat," said Alick. "We must try to kill a deer,
the skin of which will make a covering for me at night. I can do very
well without it in the daytime."

I also had a coat, and imitating Alick offered to sacrifice it for the
public good. "A shirt which I have in my knapsack will supply its
place," I observed.

"I have a strong linen shirt in mine," said Martin.

Robin had a couple of handkerchiefs, besides which we had the straps of
our knapsacks and pouch-belts. With these materials we considered that
we could make a rope sufficiently strong for our purpose. It required
considerable ingenuity to fasten all these together. The parcel of
sinews which Martin had found were exceedingly useful; indeed, I don't
know how we could have secured the straps without them. We had to wait,
however, till daylight before we could perform the neater work, though
there was light sufficient in the open river to enable us to cut up and
twist some of the articles we had destined for the purpose. We had thus
made a pretty strong bit o