I remained crouched at the bow, ready for any emergency, while the engine resumed its chugging, and Sam guided us out toward the swifter current of the stream.

The broader river behind us remained veiled in mist, but the gray light was sufficient for our purpose, enabling us to proceed slowly until our craft had rounded the protruding headland, out of sight from below.
Here the main channel cut across to the left bank, and we forced into the deeper shadows of the overhanging woods.
"'Tain't so awful fur from yere, sah," Sam called to me.
"What, the place where we are to land ?" "Yas, sah.

It's de mouth ob a little crick, whut yer nebber see till yer right plum at it.

Bettah keep yer eyes open 'long dat shore, sah." The girl, alertly bent forward, was first among us to detect the concealed opening, which was almost completely screened by the over-arching trees, her voice ringing excitedly, as she pointed it out.
Sam was quick to respond, and, almost before I had definitely established the spot, the bow of the boat swerved and we shot in through the leafy screen, the low-hung branches sweeping against our faces and scraping along the sides.

It was an eery spot, into which the faint daylight scarcely penetrated, but, nevertheless, revealed itself a secure and convenient harbor.