The device was a very old one, but there is a difficulty attached to the putting it in execution, for it is needful to lean out a little while using the propelling pole, and a log is addicted to rolling round when anything disturbs its equilibrium.
Alton, of course, knew this, but when still some distance from the opposite side, had apparently to choose between a somewhat perilous effort and an unwished-for descent of the rapid.

He glanced at its foaming rush a moment, and then decided upon the former.

Several times he dipped the pole and won a yard with the strenuous thrust, and then what he partly expected happened.

The bark seemed to be slipping away beneath him, and, as throwing himself forward upon his belongings he flung an arm about it, the log rolled slowly, and there was a splash in the water.

He had restored the equilibrium, but one blanket and the flour-bag were in the river.