The canoe must make no plash in the water.

Gradually he unwrapped the blanket and tied it in a folded square at his back.

Then he took thought a few moments.

The forest was so silent now that he did not believe he could push the canoe through the bushes without being heard.

He would leave it there for use another day and go on foot through the woods to his comrades.
Slowly he put one foot down the side until it rested on the bottom, and then he remained still.