When the stones rattled he and Drummond sank down and waited, but heard nothing to alarm them, and at length stopped and lay down beside the canoes.

They could not be seen now, but what they must do next was risky, and Thirlwell wanted to get his breath.

Although he had not used much muscular exertion, his nerves tingled and his face was wet with sweat.
After a few moments, he got on his knees and felt inside the canoe.

It had not been unloaded and this was the craft to launch, although the weight would make a difference.

Lying down again, he felt along the keel and found that the gravel was small and mixed with sand.