On the contrary, we had even thought of trying to drag the canoe in which we crossed to and from the island of the Flower through the forest.

The idea was abandoned, however, because we found that being hollowed from a single log with a bottom four or five inches thick, it was impossible for us to carry it so much as fifty yards.

What then could we do without a boat?
Swimming seemed to be out of the question because of the crocodiles.
Also on inquiry I discovered that of the whole party Stephen and I alone could swim.

Further there was no wood of which to make a raft.
I called to Hans and leaving the rest in the graveyard where we knew that they were safe, we went down to the edge of the water to study the situation, being careful to keep ourselves hidden behind the reeds and bushes of the mangrove tribe with which it was fringed.

Not that there was much fear of our being seen, for the day, which had been very hot, was closing in and a great storm, heralded by black and bellying clouds, was gathering fast, conditions which must render us practically invisible at a distance.
We looked at the dark, slimy water--also at the crocodiles which sat upon its edge in dozens waiting, eternally waiting, for what, I wondered.