By the light of a fire and of the lamps they went through the stores, and made up five packages, one for each man to carry.

Sheets of oiled canvas were left out, rubber boots, and oilskin coverings for their hats and shoulders.

In the morning Compton was left behind in the clearing in charge of the packages, while the other two took the Okapi down to her berth, which was about half a mile down on the same side.

They drove the boat into the little natural dock, then with their Ghoorka knives cleared a little place in the forest, and next, with a small pioneer spade, dug a trench in the soft mould more than large enough to hold the boat.

Then a foundation was laid of saplings; the walls were also lined with tough wood, and the Okapi, lightened of her cargo and steel deck, was bodily dragged up, and, after a long effort, safely lowered into the dry dock.
Everything was made trim, a layer of branches placed over all, then the leaf-mould restored, and all leveled down.