As he crossed a belt of moonlight one of the _Metis_ recognized him, for he cried: "_Steve le sauage! Regardez moi l'ivrogne!_" Agatha thought the man was drunk.

This would account for his awkwardness, but as he turned and staggered down the bank she saw him plainer and he looked ill.

He dragged himself along with an effort, his gait was uneven, as if one leg was weak, but he went on towards the water's edge.

A moment later he pushed off a canoe, made a few strokes with the paddle, and then let her swing out with an eddy until she was caught by the mid-stream rush.

After this he crouched in the stern and the craft began to drift down the rapid.