Below the fierce rapids the current was still swift, but
there were places where the stream widened, and here the scenery was
very fine, although the leaves looked more or less parched on account of
the scarcity of rain during the summer that was passing.
An hour later, and they saw signs of smoke below.
"The boys have arrived ahead of us," said Mr. Mabie, pointing to the
wreaths that ascended above the trees.
"All on account of our mishap. We lost three hours that way," remarked
Frank, who felt a little provoked over the accident, since he aspired
to be a capable canoeman at all times.
"Those things will happen to the best of guides at times," consoled the
stockman. "I've often been in the drink myself. There are some
cross-currents in our rapids, that one can only learn by experience. I
rather expected you would go over, and instructed Reddy to be on the
watch below."
"I wager I wouldn't get caught in that same way again, sir," asserted
Frank.
"And I'm sure you wouldn't, lad. Experience is the best teacher, and if
we didn't have some of these bad turns we'd grow too confident.
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