xles, and the smaller ones
lashed inside, so that the sustaining power of the combined logs,
together with the wooden portion of the wagon and body, would be
sufficient to sustain their weights.

Harry worked liked a hero, and took personal charge of the handling of
the team, which was his especial delight. His presence near the yaks
always gave them confidence, and on this occasion he took his position
on the pole between them and near the yoke, and thus gently urged them
forward.

For twenty-five feet or more the wheels kept on the ground, but soon
thereafter the wheels were free, and they were delighted to find that
the timbers did not permit the body to go down very low into the water,
and this saved their bedding from becoming soaked.

The yaks performed their work nobly. Some months before they had forded
the South River, at the time the flagpole for Observation Hill was cut,
so they had ample reason to believe that they would be dependable under
these circumstances. It did not require much urging on the part of
Harry, and the opposite bank was soon reached, and the cattle scrambled
up the beach, but were stopped before the wagon emerged from the water
so the logs could be cut adrift.

[Illustration: _Fig. 4. The Wagon Raft._]

The passage was made without a single mishap, and all wondered why this
plan had not been thought of before.

"Let us move on into the interior a short distance, so as to deceive
them as to our direction. It is conceivable that they may have boats of
some kind which they have sent for, and we should, therefore, try to put
them off the track."

All were now tired and needed rest. They had not slept a moment during
the night, and it was not yet daylight. Beyond was an elevation, toward
which the Professor directed them. There the wagon could be concealed,
and from that point they would also have a view of the future movements
of their enemies.

When the sun arose the savages could be seen standing guard over the
sham wagon, at their old camp ground, and the boys enjoyed this bit of
humor in the extreme. "I feel so jolly at the trick that I want to go
down to the river and laugh at them," exclaimed George.

Up to nine o'clock there was no indication that the ruse had been
discovered. The Professor was in his happiest mood at the good
imitation, and John had an unmistakable smile, and, as the boys'
laughter grew more boisterous, he broke into a laugh that actually
startled them.