And now God speed you, my friend, in your cold swim across the stream!" Malcolm and the sergeant now walked half a mile up the river, a distance which, judging from the strength of the current and the speed at which they could swim, would, they thought, take them to the opposite bank at about the point where the boat was lying.

Shaking hands with Colonel Munro, who had accompanied them, Malcolm entered the icy cold water without delay.

Knowing that it was possible that their strength might give out before they reached the opposite side, Malcolm had had two pairs of small casks lashed two feet apart.

These they fastened securely, so that as they began to swim the casks floated a short distance behind each shoulder, giving them perfect support.

The lever and paddles were towed behind them.