"Now, lads, row as noiselessly as you can to the mouth of the pool again, then turn, and lay on your oars, except bow and two, who are to paddle very slowly.

Hand Mr.Balderson that twenty foot bamboo; I want to sound the river as we come back." As soon as the boat was again turned, Dick took the pole, and, standing up, thrust it down into the water.
"Only about seven feet, sir," he whispered.
"That is bad.

It is evident that the ship cannot get up here; still we may as well go on sounding." "The water is gradually deepening," Dick said, thrusting the pole down again; "there are nearly ten feet." It was not long before he announced fifteen, and at that continued until they reached the entrance to the creek, where it was only fourteen feet.
"It would be a touch and go there," the lieutenant said, "but I dare say she could be pushed through.

It is very unfortunate that there is that shallow bar this side of the pool.

And now, lads, you can lay out for ten minutes, and then we can fasten up to a bough and see what is in the hamper.