I merely reposed easily upon my back, with only enough straightening out of the legs to keep my nose fairly up-tilted above the stream.

'T was thus I made the passage with much comfort of body, and relaxation of mind.

'T is no serious trick for one unafraid of the water although it might bring on cramps were I to keep on as far as New Orleans." I stared at him with an astonishment which for the moment precluded speech.

Before I found voice with which to express doubt of his story, Madame called, bidding us join her upon the grass, where our rude meal waited..