Festing could not see the track, but the opposite side of the river was visible, with the island, near which two wire-ropes skimmed the surface of the flood.

A man stood on the skids about half way down and presently waved his arm.
"Watch out below!" he shouted and signed to Festing.

"All clear! You can start her off." Festing seized a handspike and the skids groaned as the big log began to move.

The men helped and sprang back as it gathered speed.

Water flew up, the bark tore off in crumpled flakes, and the wet timber smoked.