The current caught the long underbody of the boat as she swung.

We heard something rip and splinter and grate; and then the boat, backing free from the snag, gradually slipped down from the bar and swept into the current under steam again.
Not so lucky ourselves, for this wrenching free of the boat had torn loose the long imbedded roots of the giant snag, and the plowing current getting under the vast flat back of matted roots, now slowly forced it, grinding and shuddering, down from the toe of the bar.

With a sullen roll it settled down into new lines as it reached the deeper water.

Then the hiss of the water among the branches ceased.

Rolling and swaying, we were going with the current, fully afloat on the yellow flood of the Missouri! I held my breath for a moment, fearing lest the snag might roll over entirely; but no concern seemed to reach the mind of our friend Mrs.
McGovern.