ge of the water, though it was
close by, for we handled it with extreme care, that it might not be
torn on the rocks. Altogether, with the provisions, it weighed close
to one hundred and fifty pounds.

We were by no means sure that the thing would carry us, and when once
we had reached the water we forgot caution in our haste to try it. We
held it at the edge while Desiree arranged herself on the pile of
skins. The spears lay across at her feet, strapped down for security.

Harry stepped across to the farther edge of the raft.

"Ready!" he called, and I shoved off, wading behind. When the water
was up to my knees I climbed aboard and picked up my oar.

"By all the nine gods, look at her!" cried Harry in huge delight. "She
takes about three inches! Man, she'd carry an army!"

"Allons!" cried Desiree, with gay laughter. "C'est Perfection!"

"Couldn't be better," I agreed; "but watch yourself, Hal. When we get
into the current things are going to begin to happen. If it weren't
for the beastly darkness 'twould be easy enough. As it is, one little
rock the size of your head could send us to the bottom."

We were still near the bank, working our way out slowly. Harry and I
had to maintain positions equidistant from the center in order to keep
the raft balanced; hence I had to push her out alone.

Considering her bulk, she answered to the oar very well.

Another five minutes and we were near the middle of the stream. At
that point there was but little current and we drifted slowly. Harry
went to the bow, while I took up a position on the stern--if I may use
such terms for such a craft--directly behind Desiree. We figured that
we were then about a mile from the Point where the stream left the
cavern.

Gradually, as the stream narrowed, the strength of the current
increased. Still it was smooth, and the raft sailed along without a
tremor. Once or twice, caught by some trick of the current, she turned
half round, poking her nose ahead, but she soon righted herself.

The water began to curl up on the sides as we were carried more and
more swiftly onward, with a low murmur that was music to us. The
stream became so narrow that we could see the bank on either side,
though dimly, and I knew we were approaching the exit.

I called to Harry: "Keep her off to the right as we make the turn!" and
he answered: "Aye, aye, sir!" with a wave of the hand. This, at least,
was action with a purpose.

Another minu