"A little bark canoe like ours wasn't made to fight with billows." They paddled near to the southern shore, and, being protected by the high banks, the chief force of the wind passed over their heads.

In the center of the stream the water rose in long combers like those of the sea, and a distant boat with oarsmen rocked violently.
"Hugging the land will be good for us until the wind passes," said Willet.

"Suppose we draw in among those bushes growing in the edge of the water and stop entirely." "A good idea," said Robert, who did not relish a swamping of the canoe in the cold St.Lawrence.
A few strokes of the paddle and they were in the haven, but the three still watched the distant boat, which seemed to be of large size, and which still kept in the middle of the stream.
"It has a mast and can carry a sail when it wishes," said Willet, after a long examination.
"French officers are in it," said Tayoga.
"I believe you are right, boy.

I think I caught the glitter of a uniform." "And the boat has steered about and is coming this way, Great Bear.

The French officers no doubt have the glasses that magnify, and, having seen us, are coming to discover what we are." "Correct again, Tayoga.