they made the
old boat their kitchen, for there was but little room in the canoe for
cooking purposes; and it was, moreover, a relief to get into the roomy
craft where they could move about as they pleased. As drift-wood was
abundant they made their fires entirely of this, keeping their candles
for the time when they might have to leave their store-boat behind them.
On the third day the river widened out greatly. They could no longer see
the right bank, and Godfrey concluded that they were now in the Gulf of
Yenesei.

"The weather is going to change," Luka said the next morning; "the wind
will soon be coming from the north; going to blow hard."

"In that case, Luka, the sooner we are ashore the better. The current
now is nothing like so swift as it was. I don't think we are going past
the land at more than three miles an hour, but that would be quite
enough if the wind comes from the north to knock up a nasty sea in no
time. Let us get our paddles out; there is not a breath of wind."

In half an hour they reached the shore, but had to coast along for some
time before they found a place free of rocks.

"This will do, Luka, we are not a minute too soon; those puffs just now
were so strong that we made no way against them. Now, then, jump out and
get the canoe high and dry."

They had retained their long boots, and stepped out into water up to
their knees. Then they lifted the canoe and carried it ashore.

"It is heavier than it was when we put it in," Luka said.

"I should think so. What with the furs and provisions, candles, and one
thing and another, there must be a hundred and fifty pounds weight in
her. There, put her down here, Luka, and let us get the other up. We
must take the things out first. Quick, man, the wind is getting up fast.
Isn't it cold; we shall want our fur jackets on directly." The firewood
and provisions were carried up some distance above the water's edge, and
then the boat was lifted and placed beside them. A thick sleet had now
set in, and the wind was blowing with tremendous gusts.

"Now, then, look about, Luka, and see if you can find a sheltered nook.
I will pile stones into the well of the canoe so as to anchor her
safely. If she were to be rolled over and over her skin would soon be
cut to pieces."

Before he had finished this Luka returned. "Good place here," he said.
"Good shelter."

"We'll finish this job first, Luka. This is much more important than our
getting wet."

As s