"This will do capitally, lads. Now we will be off at once; we have
found out all that we wanted, and nothing could be more satisfactory."
They retraced their steps rapidly till they came to the coil of
cord looped on a low bough. The coxswain took it down, and they were
soon all on board the boat again. "Now, lads, row as noiselessly
as you can to the mouth of the pool again, then turn, and lay on
your oars, except bow and two, who are to paddle very slowly. Hand
Mr. Balderson that twenty foot bamboo; I want to sound the river
as we come back."
As soon as the boat was again turned, Dick took the pole, and,
standing .up, thrust it down into the water.
"Only about seven feet, sir," he whispered.
"That is bad. It is evident that the ship cannot get up here; still
we may as well go on sounding."
"The water is gradually deepening," Dick said, thrusting the pole
down again; "there are nearly ten feet."
It was not long before he announced fifteen, and at that continued
until they reached the entrance to the creek, where it was only
fourteen feet.
"It would be a touch and go there," the lieutenant said, "but I
dare say she could be pushed through. It is very unfortunate that
there is that shallow bar this side of the pool.
Pages:
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91