All were brave hearts in the hidden canoe, but they held their breath while that silent file passed by.

Then, when the last had gone and was lost in the darkness, they pushed out a little and listened, with all the keenness of forest-bred ears.

Hearing no splash, they paddled in a straight course for the haunted island.
"I think they've gone toward the north end of the lake, and as they are likely to keep on their way, now is our time," said Henry.
They pushed farther into the lake, Ross and Shif'less Sol now handling the paddles with wonderful dexterity.

They went very slowly, not wishing to make the faintest splash, and meanwhile the darkness thickened and deepened again.

It felt very damp to the face, and Paul saw now that fog from the rain of the day was mingled with it.