Rod also noticed that a part of the contents of the canoe were missing.
"Took load up to river," explained Mukoki in response to the youth's questioning.
"Working while we sleep, as usual," exclaimed the disgusted Wabigoon.
"If it keeps on we'll deserve another whipping, Rod!" Mukoki examined a fat bluebill, roasted to a rich brown, and gave it to Rod.

Another he handed to Wabigoon, and with a third in his own hands he found a seat for himself upon the ground close to the coffee and bread.
"Ah, if this isn't fit for a king!" cried Rod, poising his savory bluebill on the end of a fork.
Half an hour later the three went to their canoe.

Mukoki had already packed a half of its contents to the river, a quarter of a mile away, and he now loaded himself with the remainder while the two boys hoisted the light birch upon their shoulders.

As Roderick caught his first glimpse of the Ombabika in the growing light of day he gave a cry of astonishment.

When he had gone up the stream the preceding winter it was scarce more than a dozen gun lengths in width.