Here we made fast to the bank.
I assisted Rene ashore, and aided her to climb to a higher level, carpeted with grass.

The broad river was invisible, but we could look directly down upon the boat, where Sam was already busily rummaging through the lockers, in search of something to eat.

He came ashore presently bearing some corn pone, and a goodly portion of jerked beef.
Deciding it would be better not to attempt a fire, we divided this, and made the best meal possible, meanwhile discussing the situation anew, and planning what to do next.

The negro, seated at one side alone upon the grass, said little, beyond replying to my questions, yet scarcely once removed his eyes from the girl's face.

He seemed unable to grasp the thought that she was actually of his race, a runaway slave, or permit his tongue to utter any words of equality.