stuff to one of the other boats, and
give us something that won't spoil if it gets wet?" Jimmy had the
impudence to suggest; at which Ned shook his finger at him, and, looking
as severe as he could, went on to lay down the law, as he had a perfect
right to do, being Jimmy's superior in the patrol; and besides, using
the other as an assistant in his work for the Government.

"Unless you give me your solemn promise to reform, and sit as still as
anything in that canoe, I'm going to have a halt called, and tie you in
so you can't move. The only trouble is that if the boat does go over
after all, you'd surely drown like a musk rat in a trap. Do you get that
straight, Jimmy?"

Apparently the lively scout realized that his chums would not put up
with any further pranks, especially when danger menaced them, as it
always did at times when cataracts had to be negotiated. He threw up
both hands in token of absolute surrender.

"I promise you on my word of honor as a true scout, Ned, not to budge
an inch as long as the bally old boat stays on its keel. 'Course if
Tamasjo pitches me out you'll let me swim for it, and get hold of your
gunnel, won't you?"

"That's what we would expect you to do," Ned told him. "On the whole, as
this rapid is much worse than anything we've tackled up to now, I reckon
we'd better run into shore for a short stay, while we overhaul our
cargoes, and make sure everything is tied fast to the supports of the
canoes."

"Good idea," grunted Frank. "I believe in locking the door while you've
still got the horse. Lots of folks wait till the animal has been stolen,
and then wake up to the necessity of putting up the bars."

Accordingly, they landed near by on a promising point. Here they busied
themselves for some time minutely examining the way in which guns,
provisions, blankets, tents, cooking utensils, and all other things
going to make up the cargo of the three canoes was secured.

Of course they hardly anticipated an upset, but did this only as a sort
of insurance, just as a man takes out a fire risk on his house, though
never fancying for a single minute that it is going to go up in flames
and smoke.

After that the start was made. Francois paddled along in the lead, with
Teddy holding a position in the bow, for Teddy had learned to swing a
paddle fairly well on this trip. Of course, the one who sat in the stern
manipulated things as he wished, being the controlling power. Teddy's
duties would f