As they progressed the stream constantly became deeper and more navigable until it finally began to show signs of a current and a little later, under the powerful impetus of Neil's paddle, the canoe shot from between the dense shores into the open lake.

A mile away Nathaniel discerned the point of forest beyond which the _Typhoon_ was hidden.

He pointed out the location of the ship to his companion.
"You are sure there is a small boat waiting for you on the point ?" asked Neil.
"Yes, since early morning." Neil was absorbed in thought for some time as he drove the canoe through the tall rice grass that grew thick along the edge of the shore.
"How would it be if I landed you on the point and met you to-night at Obadiah's ?" he asked suddenly.

"It is probable that after we get Marion aboard your ship I will not return to the island again, and it is quite necessary that I run down the coast for a couple of miles--for--" He did not finish his reason, but added: "I can make the whole distance in this rice so there is no danger of being seen.

Or you might lie off the point yonder and I would join you early this evening." "That would be a better plan if we must separate," said Nathaniel, whose voice betrayed the reluctance with which he assented to the project.