They crouched there in deep shadow,
but discovered no evidence that their effort at escape had been
observed. A dog was barking somewhere not far away, and once there was
a rustle along the nearer bank, as though a man wormed his way
cautiously through the thick chaparral. But this sound also ceased
after a moment, and all was still. Brennan put his lips close to his
companion's ear.
"Got yer cartridges tied up? That's all right; hand 'em over. Now
give me your belt. No; pass the end under the log an' buckle it; not
too tight. You hang on to the outside, an' I'll push off. If yer have
ter paddle ter keep in the current don't let yer hands er feet come to
the surface--understand?"
"Certainly."
"All right then; are you all set? Holy smoke, this is going to be some
yacht ride."
The log did not even grate as it loosened its slight hold on the rock,
and began the voyage down-stream. The current was swift enough to bear
it and its burden free from the island, although it moved slowly and
noiselessly on its way. The two men deeply emerged on either side,
with heads held rigid against the wet bark, were indistinguishable.
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