RUNNING THE RAPIDS 



Sixteen miles farther down, the Boiler Rapid, so called 

 from the fact that in 1882 a boiler intended for the steamer 

 Wrigley was lost in it, was successfully run on the following 

 day, and early in the afternoon the third rapid was reached. 

 It attempting to run if on the left side, we found, after 

 descending perhaps half-way, that there were too many rocks, 

 in the channel ahead, and therefore an effort was made to- 

 cross to the right side, which looked to be clearer. My 

 brother's canoe, steered by old Pierre, avoided the rocks and 



SHOOTING A RAPID 



was taken successfully across, but mine was not so fortunate. 

 In attempting to follow we struck a large rock in mid- 

 channel, but happily the collision occurred in such a way that 

 my canoe was not seriously damaged. It was merely whirled 

 end for end in the current and almost filled with water, 

 though not quite sufficiently to sink us. Leaving the two 

 Indians to pull for the shore, I seized a tin kettle and lost no 

 time in dashing out some of the water. After a sharp struggle 

 we managed to land. Of course, all we had in the canoe — ■ 



35 



