CHAPTER II.
A NOVEL CRAFT A month was devoted to preparation--a month that was full of pleasure to the two friends, for they came into close touch with Dave Hume the hunter, and learnt to regard him almost as a brother.
Ordinarily, he was curt in his speech and cold in manner, especially with strangers; but at night, when he had shed his boots and coat, he would talk to them freely of his hunting experiences, and listen with interest to their opinions.

He never laughed at their mistakes, nor damped their enthusiasm, but he got the best out of them by a fine courtesy that seemed part of his nature.
Thus it was that when, early in the first week, Venning said he had an idea for a boat that could be easily carried round the cataracts and worked without much labour, he was at once encouraged to give plans and specifications.
"I read once about a 'sneak-box'-- a flat-bottomed shooting canoe-- that could carry a sail and serve at the same time as a cabin." "I have used one myself duck-shooting.

Go on." "Well, sir, I built a boat on the plan given, and spent a holiday one year on the Broads.

It drew very little water, and was easily managed.

However, you know all that.