He led me down to the water, where a log had grounded in an eddy.

I thought he was minded to play, as we had played in the mouth of the slough.

Nor did I change my mind as I watched him tow up a second log from farther down the shore.
It was not until we were on the logs, side by side and holding them together, and had paddled out into the current, that I learned his intention.

He paused to point at the far shore, and resumed his paddling, at the same time uttering loud and encouraging cries.

I understood, and we paddled energetically.