[Illustration: CORRAL SUCH AS WAS FORMED BY EACH SECTION FOR THE
PROTECTION OF ITS CATTLE]

The craft being finished on the morning of the thirtieth of May, was
christened _Blue Rover_, and launched amid cheers of the company.
Though not a thing of beauty, she was destined to fulfil the
expectations of our worthy Captain. One set of guide-ropes held her in
place at the point of embarkation, while swimmers on horseback carried
another set of ropes across the river and quickly made them fast. Only
one wagon at a time could cross, and great difficulty was experienced
in getting the vehicles on and off the boat. Those working near the
bank stood in water up to their arm-pits, and frequently were in grave
peril. By the time the ninth wagon was safely landed, darkness fell.

The only unforeseen delay that had occurred was occasioned by an
awkward slip of the third wagon while being landed. The _Blue Rover_
groaned under the shock, leaned to one side and swamped one of the
canoes. However, the damage was slight and easily repaired. The next
day was Sunday; but the work had to go on, and the Rev. Mr. Cornwall
was as ready for it as the rest of the toilers.

Much anxiety was experienced when the cattle were forced into the
water, and they had a desperate struggle in crossing the current; but
they finally reached the opposite bank without accident. Each family
embarked in its own wagon, and the last was ferried over in the rain at
nine o'clock that night. The ropes were then detached from the _Blue
Rover_, and she drifted away in the darkness.

Captain Russell had despatched matters vigorously and tactfully, and
when the labors of that day were completed, still had a word of cheer