NAVIGATION OF THE RIVER LEONA 



197 



I have mentioned in an earlier chapter the boat which Dr. 

 Moreno had during his last expedition in the year 1897 brought, 

 at much cost and labour, to Lake Viedma. There lay our 

 hope. - It was a steam-launch, and the Argentine Commission had 



THE LAUNCH 

 WITH MR. CATTr.E AND BERNARDO (IN BOARD 



packed her up carefully and snugly on the shore ; but, although 

 we knew nothing of her present condition, we were aware that the 

 chances against her remaining undisturbed for that period of time 

 were small, as Lake Viedma is not difficult of access, and in all 

 probability wandering bands of Indians or Gauchos had got at the 

 boat, stripped off her covering of canvas, and looted such of her 

 contents as seemed to possess any value in their eyes. 



However that might be, this launch appeared to be our only 

 resource, and I was lucky indeed to have been given leave to use 

 her if necessary On my speaking to Cattle on the matter, he was 

 kind enough to offer to accompany me. Burbury possessed a 

 crood knowledge of engineering, which would be of invaluable 



