They were aware of the perils that awaited them
and were fearful that they would not be able to land all their cargo
safely.
"That's the way of it," said Fred in mock solemnity when he had responded
to George's protest. "You don't care anything about us, but you're
mightily afraid that some of the things we have on board may be lost in
the river."
"We don't want to lose either the crew or the cargo," retorted George.
"There's no more danger going down the stream where we are than there is
in trying to climb the cliffs and strike out overland," declared Pete.
No further protest had been made and not long after the departure of the
division which was to climb the rugged pathway that led to the table-land
the sailors were ready to embark.
Fred and John were both skillful in handling the boat, a form of knowledge
in which even Grant was proficient. It was for this reason largely that
Pete had selected Fred and John to accompany him.
Before he stepped on board, John, who was to push at the stern, looked out
over the broad river. The current made in toward the shore where he was
standing and was clearly defined.
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