Had the men who were rowing worked vigorously, this would not have occurred to any great extent; but they pulled slowly and feebly, and every foot which the boat made across, it descended as much down the river.

Arthur had been desired to land de Lescure on the island, and another boat had been sent round to be ready to take him at once from thence to the other shore; but when he found that they were unintentionally so near the lower end of the island, it occurred to him that it would save them all much pain and trouble, if he were to run round it, and land them at once on the opposite shore; they would in this way have to make a considerably longer journey, but then de Lescure would be spared the pain of so many different movements.
Madame de Lescure immediately jumped at the proposal.

"For heaven's sake, Arthur, do so, if it be possible," said she; "it will be the greatest relief.

I do not think we should ever get across to the other boat, if we once leave this." Arthur was behind the two men at the oars, who had listened to what had been said, without making any observation, or attempting to alter the destination of the boat; rudder there was none, and the steering, therefore, depended entirely on the rowers.
"Do you hear ?" said Arthur, stretching forward and laying his hand on the shoulder of the man who was in front.

"Never mind the island at all; go a little more down the stream, and then we can cross over at once without landing at all.