154 ADVENTURES IN THE WILDERNESS 



erect at either end of their cedar boat, paddle in 

 hand, in tlie sniootli water which gathers like a 

 pool at the mouth of rapids. And many a wild, 

 ringing cheer have I heard rise, mingling with the 

 roar of waters, from those who glided in their 

 skeleton boats over the verge, and passed from the 

 gazer's sight amid the foam and rocks below. 



"John," said I, as we sat looking downAvard, 

 " it 's all clear ahead ; let her glide." 



" All right," replied John ; " the waters are 

 high, and we shall have a clean run of it. Tlie 

 small rocks are covered, and the boulders we can 

 dodge. We will aim for the centre, and let the 

 current take us. I guess we shall ride, fast enough. 

 Only one thing before we start. AYe shall find 

 several small falls, which we must jump ; but 

 A\lien you hear the roar and see the smoke of 

 riiantom Falls, look well to your paddle and mind 

 A\hat you are about. It won't do to go over them. 

 Twenty-five feet are more than I care to jump." 



" Exactly my sentiment," returned I, " but 

 which side are we to land ? If you and I slioot 

 this boat out of such a current as that," and I mo- 

 tioned downward, " it must be A\ith a stroke quick 

 as lightning and well together." 



" I know that," said John. " I explored the 

 banks above the falls, one day, not knowing but 

 that I might be swept down some time, and about 

 thirty rods up stream, right abreast of a dead hem- 



