The greater part of the log was firmly imbedded in the sand, but there was a small portion of it which projected so far as barely to be submerged.

The boys did not notice this, and, in their eagerness to run the boat ashore, it happened that they were running it across the current, just above this snag.

But as the current was sweeping them down the stream at the same time that they were pushing themselves across it, it carried the boat with great force against this snag.

The bottom of the boat was confined by it, while the force of the current, still pressing upon the side, overset it in a moment, and threw all the boys out into the water.
The boys scrambled out without much difficulty, and stood upon the gravelly beach.

They saw at the same moment a man on the bank of the river above, who looked as if he was about to run to their aid; but when he saw that they were safe, he turned around immediately and disappeared.