The elder listened for a minute and replied: "What I expected! We are very near the head of navigation; that sound comes from falls or rapids, above which we cannot go with this boat." This announcement precipitated a discussion as to what was the best course to follow.

The physician left no doubt of his sentiments.
"The devils will be prowling up this stream within a few hours; I should not be surprised if they are near us this moment; the boat is of no further use to us." The three, Anderson, Turner and Wharton, did not agree with him.

The craft had served them so well that they were unwilling to abandon it.
They seemed to believe that it offered a much safer means of defense than they could find anywhere on land.
"But you cannot stay forever on it," protested the doctor impatiently.
"We do not expect to," replied Anderson; "we may decide to descend to the Ganges again, and continue down the river." "Whither ?" "To Cawnpore or some point nearer." The doctor was aghast.
"You mean to leap straight into the hornet's nest; those are the places, of all others, that must be avoided." "It may be as you say, but I am hopeful that the English garrisons have been able to hold out against the mutineers." "It is a woeful mistake, my friend; if you persist in it we must part company.".