suddenly, "There is a current, sir. I have had my eye upon that
root, and we have drifted backwards a couple of feet since we lost
way, so there must be a stretch of water above us."

The lieutenant watched the root of the tree to which Harry had
pointed, for a minute in silence, then he said, "You are right, my
lad, there is a current, and, as you say, there must be a stretch
of water above us. Lay in your oars, lads; stand up, and pull her
along by the boughs and bushes, but don't make the slightest sound."

Twenty yards farther the creek widened, and the oars were again
got out.

"Take your place in the bow, Mr. Parkhurst, and hold up your hand
the instant you see anything unusual, and do you, men, be ready to
hold her up the instant I give the order."

They proceeded for a quarter of a mile, the gig following close
behind. Suddenly, at a bend in the stream, a glare of light was
seen ahead. Harry held up his hand, and passed the word down in
a whisper that just ahead the creek widened into a broad sheet of
water. The lieutenant stopped the gig by holding up his hand, passed
the order for the men to lay in their oars noiselessly, and told
the coxswain to keep in well under the bushes on the left hand
side; then he made his way forward, and joined Harry, telling the
men to pull the boat forward by means of the branches overhead
which were well within reach, but to avoid breaking even a twig.

In a minute or two the bow of the boat arrived at the end of the
screen of bushes, and a low exclamation broke from the lieutenant