"That's just about what I expected you to say," commented the geologist. "I thought so, too, but there's a bad carry on this side. Well, I suppose Harry and Bulson had better take the boats through." But when the canoeists were approached Bulson shook his head. "Of course, if you say so, Mr. Rivers," he replied, "there's no more to be said, but as I understand it, the boats have got to go through light. Now I tip the scale at a trifle over two hundred and twenty pounds, and you couldn't very well call that light. Besides, if it comes to a portage, I can carry a whole lot more than any one else could do. If I might suggest----" "Go ahead, man," said Rivers impatiently. "Send the boy, then. He knows just as much about a canoe as I do and he's seventy-five pounds lighter. That's an awful difference in the bow of a canoe. Then, too, he isn't as hefty for the carry. I think you'd better let Harry and the boy try it." "But it's a man's job. What do you think, Harry--because, after all, you will lead the way?" "Bulson heap good in canoe. Boy all right. Boy light, man heavy, take boy." "You think you can take the boat through all right?" The Indian nodded. "I'd like to go with you myself, but I'm nearly as heavy as Bulson. All right, then, let it go that way; it's only a chance, but we'd better try it with one boat, rather than spend a week or two cutting a twelve-mile road through the timber for the boats." Orders having been given for the unpacking of the canoes, an early stop was made, and Harry went off with Bulson to con the rapid from the other bank. He did not come back till after dark, and then, simply saying to Rivers: "Sure, can do it all right," he tumbled off to the tent and rolled up for the night. The chief of the party then turned to Roger, and said kindly: "I don't want you to do this, Doughty, unless you feel quite up to it, because confidence is one of the most important things needed. However, I have great faith in Harry's knowledge of rapids, and if he says they are passable I don't think there is any cause to fear. But if you are in the least afraid of it, don't hesitate to say so." [Illustration: RESTING AFTER A LONG PULL. A good place to stop for dinner, though hundreds of miles from any white settlement. _Photograph by U.S.G.S._] "I'd be afraid to tackle it alone, Mr. Rivers," the boy said truthfully, "but I feel that with Harry in the stern I could take the rapids of Niagara, and the whirlpool into the bargain." CHAPTER XV FACING DEATH IN A CANOE Early next morning, the first boat, having been stripped of everything movable, was made ready, and Harry got in the stern. He had taken off the more cumbersome of his clothing and had bidden Roger do the same, so they started off with only enough on for comfort, but wearing their shoes, for the return journey would have to be overland through the forest. "This heap bad," said Harry as they started out, "but I in plenty worse. Keep eyes open much."