The water appeared shallow, though we could not see bottom on account of its murky character, and there was only one course, which was to jump out and make anchors of our legs.

As we did so we sank to our waists and were pulled along for a moment but our feet, braced against the large rocks on the bottom, served the purpose and the momentum was overcome.

Once the velocity was gone it was easy to get the boat to the beach, and she was tied there just in time to allow us to rush to the help of the _Nell_.[7] Scarcely had the _Nell_ been tied up than the _Canonita_ came darting for the same spot like a locomotive.
With the force on hand she was easily controlled, and the fact that she carried the cook outfit as well as the cook added to our joy at having her so speedily on the beach.

Andy went to work immediately to build a fire and prepare dinner while the rest overhauled the boats, took observations, plotted notes, or did other necessary things, and the Major and Prof.went down to take a close look at the rapid which had caused us such sudden and violent exertion.

They reported a clear channel in the middle, and when we continued after dinner, we went through easily and safely, as of course we could have done in the first place if the Major had been willing to take an unknown risk.