Having left the town behind, the boys reached a point on the stream
where the trees and bushes were thick on either side. They turned
in toward the left bank, where the sun was not quite so strong,
for in spite of the fact that it was fall it promised to be warm.

"Be careful along here," cautioned Shep. "There are some big
rocks just under the surface."

He had scarcely spoken when there came a terrific bump which almost
threw him overboard. Whopper was sent sprawling on his side,
and his oar sent a shower of water over Giant.

"Wow!" came from Whopper. "Say, did we strike a fortress or what?
I thought I was going to the bottom sure!"

"I said to be careful," answered Shep, as the craft sheered off.
"Either move out to the middle of the stream or else go slower."

"No use of moving to the middle of the stream now," said Giant.
"I want to land a short distance below here."

"What for?" asked the others.

"I'll show you when we get there."

Presently they came to a clearing where there was a cornfield.
Beyond this was a fine apple orchard, and looking among the trees
they espied some especially fine apples.

"We may as well take a few along," said Giant.