This east shore is flat as a board for leagues.

I 'm for heading straight across.

If we gain the west bank within an hour, or even two, the Devil himself would have a hard job to find us." "Go on," I muttered, bending grimly to my task.

"You know this country better than I.

When we reach upper waters it will be my turn to guide." As I uttered these words, a bit impatiently, there sounded a quick step on the low bank at our right.