walked half a mile up the river, a distance
which, judging from the strength of the current and the speed at which
they could swim, would, they thought, take them to the opposite bank
at about the point where the boat was lying. Shaking hands with Colonel
Munro, who had accompanied them, Malcolm entered the icy cold water
without delay. Knowing that it was possible that their strength might
give out before they reached the opposite side, Malcolm had had
two pairs of small casks lashed two feet apart. These they fastened
securely, so that as they began to swim the casks floated a short
distance behind each shoulder, giving them perfect support. The lever
and paddles were towed behind them. The lights in the two camps afforded
them a means of directing their way. The water was intensely cold,
and before they were halfway across Malcolm congratulated himself upon
having thought of the casks. Had it not been for them he would have
begun to doubt his ability to reach the further shore, for although he
would have thought nothing of the swim at other times his limbs were
fast becoming numbed with the extreme cold. The sergeant kept close to
him, and a word or two was occasionally exchanged.

"I think it is colder than our mountain streams, Grant?"

"It's no colder, your honour, but the water is smooth and still, and
we do not have to wrestle with it as with a brook in spate. It's the
stillness which makes it feel so cold. The harder we swim the less we
will feel it."

It was with a deep feeling of relief that Malcolm saw something loom
just in front of him from the darkness, and knew that he was close to
the land. A few more strokes and he touched the bushes. Looking back he
saw that the two lights were nearly in a line. Stopping swimming he let
the stream drift him down. Two or three minutes more and one of the tiny
lights seemed exactly above the other.

"This is the spot, Grant," he said in a low voice; "land here as quietly
as you can."

CHAPTER XI THE CAPTURE OF OPPENHEIM

The two swimmers dragged themselves on shore, but for a minute or two
could scarce stand, so numbed were their limbs by the cold. Malcolm took
from his belt a flask of brandy, took a long draught, and handed it to
his companion, who followed his example.

The spirit sent a glow of warmth through their veins, and they began to
search among the bushes for the boat, one proceeding each way along the
bank. They had not removed their leathern