234 A SPORTING PARADISE 



we were gazing with awe upon the wonderful 

 sight of a bush-fire viewed from a large stretch 

 of water. The fire we perceived had been 

 raging for hours, and probably had originated 

 twenty or thirty miles away. 



<c When we got clear of the bay we found the 

 wind blowing hard and large white-capped waves 

 appeared on every side in the direction we were 

 going. These waves increased in volume as we 

 advanced and ultimately Kendall could make no 

 way against them. Relinquishing the helm we 

 each took an oar and rowed together with all 

 our strength. After many pauses to bale out 

 our half- filled boat, and wet through with lake- 

 water, we ultimately reached Blackstone River. 

 More than once we were nearly swamped by 

 breaking waves. Entering Blackstone Lake the 

 storm burst upon us with all its fury, and it was 

 with the greatest difficulty that we could make 

 any headway. Considerable argument arose as 

 to our wisest course, and finally it was decided 

 to hug the headlands and sheltered coast. In 

 this way we rowed nearly twice the distance, but 

 considering it had taken us five minutes to advance 

 one yard in the middle of the lake, we were 

 thankful to know the water was smoother and 



