The boat was moving at least ten miles an hour. Two-thirds of the passage
had been safely made. The expression on Fred's face was tense as
occasionally he caught a glimpse behind him of his long friend working
desperately with his paddle.
Every ounce of strength each boy possessed was required for the effort.
Occasionally the guide shouted his direction first to one boy and then to
another and then to both alike. Neither Fred nor John, however gave much
heed to their advisor nor indeed was it possible for them to hear what he
said. The sound of the noisy water filled their ears, the peril of the
projecting rocks continued to face them and a glance at the dark colored
stream below was sufficient to warn them of dangers to be avoided there.
Fred, who, as has been said, was paddling from the bow turned for a moment
to glance back at John. At that moment, however, the heavy boat suddenly
struck an unseen rock. The force of the current was sufficient to drive
the boat safely over the place of peril, but Fred as he had nearly lost
his balance glanced again behind and to his horror he saw the long legs of
John disappearing over the side of the boat.
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