Some of the rocks were still above water, against the wall.

When the boats were lowered they pounded about at a frightful rate on the surges that swept into the alcove.

Then it was found that a hole in the Dean had been forgotten or overlooked, and she was leaking badly in the middle compartment.

But there was no chance to stop longer here for repairs, as the river seemed to be still rising.

A bag of flour was jammed against the hole, the boat was loaded, the hatches were battened down, we grasped our oars, and while the Canonita crew held our stern to give us a fair start we pulled straight out as hard as we could to clear a huge rock just below, upon which the current was fiercely dashing.