While the stream was not more than twelve feet in width and the water almost motionless, the banks were high and precipitous and the depth amply sufficient.

The dim light, only occasionally finding entrance through the trees, barely enabled us to see for a short distance ahead.

It looked a veritable cave, and, indeed, all I remember noting in my first hasty glance through the shadows, was the outline of a small boat, moored to a fallen tree.

Sam must have perceived this at the same instant, for he ran our craft alongside the half-submerged log and stopped his engine.
I scrambled over, found precarious footing on the wet bank, and made fast.
"So this is the place ?" I questioned incredulously, staring about at the dark, silent forest; which still remained in the deep night shade.
"Why, there's nothing here." "No, sah; dar certenly don't 'pear fer ter be much," and the negro crept out of the cockpit and joined me, "'ceptin' dat boat.

Dar ain't no boat 'round yere, les' folks hes bin a ridin' in it, Ah reckon.