In it were the cumulative waters of a score of those torrents, and in its broad, deep sweep into the big lake the currents and perils of each were combined into one great threatening force.
The thoughts that were in Rod's mind betrayed themselves as he looked at his companions.

Mukoki was reloading the canoe.

Wabi watched the flood.
"She's running pretty strong," said the Indian youth dubiously.

"What do you think of it, Muky ?" "Keep close to shore," replied the old warrior, without stopping his work.

"We mak' heem--safe!" There was a good deal of consolation in Mukoki's words, for both youths still bore smarting reminders of his caution and good judgment.
In a short time the canoe was safely launched where a small eddy had worked into the shore, and the three adventurers dug in their paddles.
Mukoki, who held the important position in the stern, kept the bow of the birch within half a dozen yards of the bank, and to Rod's mind they slipped up-stream with amazing speed and ease.