Van der Kemp and Nigel had slung a bullet-pouch on their shoulders, and carried small hatchets and hunting-knives in their belts.

Moses was similarly armed, with this difference, that his _couteau de chasse_ bore stronger resemblance to an ancient Roman sword than a knife, and his axe was of larger size than the hatchets of his companions.
Launching the canoe, the hermit and his man held it fast at either end while Nigel was directed to take his place in the central of the three openings or manholes.

He did so and found himself seated on a flat board on the bottom of the canoe, which was so shallow that the deck scarcely rose as high as his waist.
Round the manhole there was a ledge of thin wood, about three inches high, to which a circular apron of oiled canvas was attached.
"Yes, you'd better understand that thing before we start," said Van der Kemp, observing that Nigel was examining the contrivance with some curiosity.

"It's an apron to tie round you in bad weather to keep the water out.

In fine weather it is rolled as you see it now round the ledge.