In trying to pass it our leading boat grounded, and, the current being swift, it was for a time doubtful if we should get her off.

We finally succeeded, however, and the procession of boats slowly steamed up the rapids.

We had hardly got beyond them when we heard a distant cannon-shot from our advance-guard which had opened a long distance between them and us during our delay.

We steamed rapidly ahead.

Soon we saw a man pulling off from the south bank in a skiff.