turning
the head of our canoe, we shot past the rock, and to our joy again saw
the other canoe rushing on with still greater speed towards another
opening in the channel. We followed even faster than before. The
current seemed to increase in rapidity as we advanced, pressed together
by the narrower channel. Yet, fast as we went, we could scarcely keep
pace with our leader. Now we glided on smoothly, now we pitched and
tossed as the mimic waves rose up round us, and thus we went on, the
navigation requiring the utmost watchfulness and exertion to escape
destruction. We, perhaps, in our smaller canoe, were safer than those
in the larger one; indeed, I thought more of them than ourselves.
Should we meet with any accident, however, they could not return to help
us, whereas we might push forward to their assistance. We followed the
movements of the Indians. When they paddled fast, we also exerted
ourselves; when they ceased, we also lifted our paddles out of the
water. I was very glad that we were thus employed, as we, having plenty
to do, thought less of the danger we were in.

After being thus tossed about for I cannot judge how long, every moment
running the risk of being dashed on the rocks, now on one side, now on
the other, we found the river again widening and the current flowing on
more tranquilly. In a short time, however, we came to another rapid.
Once more we were amid the wild tumult of waters. The current rushed on
with fearful speed. Now we saw the stern of the leading canoe lifted
up, and it appeared as if her bows were going under. I could not
refrain from uttering a shriek of horror. Isoro and the Indians
remained calm, just guiding our canoe. John's canoe disappeared. On we
went, expecting the same fate which I dreaded had overtaken her. An
instant afterwards we saw her again gliding on calmly. Downwards we
slid over a watery hill, the Indians paddling with might and main, we
following their example. We had descended a fall such as I should
scarcely have supposed it possible so small a boat as ours could have
passed over in safety. Our companions continued plying their paddles,
sending out their breath in a low grunt, as if they had been holding it
in for some minutes.

We now came up with the other canoe, which had been waiting for us.

"That was nervous work!" exclaimed John "I am thankful we are through
the falls; they are the worst we shall meet with."

Paddling on till nearly da