Presently the stream narrowed again, until
it seemed that they were approaching its termination, and the boat
stopped rowing.
"I fancy we have come to the end of it, Mr. Morrison," the lieutenant
said in a low voice.
"I am afraid so too, sir; there is no room for the oars, and we
shall either have to punt the boats, or to drag them by the bushes."
The lieutenant was about to give the order to turn when Harry said,
suddenly, "There is a current, sir. I have had my eye upon that
root, and we have drifted backwards a couple of feet since we lost
way, so there must be a stretch of water above us."
The lieutenant watched the root of the tree to which Harry had
pointed, for a minute in silence, then he said, "You are right, my
lad, there is a current, and, as you say, there must be a stretch
of water above us. Lay in your oars, lads; stand up, and pull her
along by the boughs and bushes, but don't make the slightest sound."
Twenty yards farther the creek widened, and the oars were again
got out.
"Take your place in the bow, Mr. Parkhurst, and hold up your hand
the instant you see anything unusual, and do you, men, be ready to
hold her up the instant I give the order."
They proceeded for a quarter of a mile, the gig following close
behind.
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