It was there he met the first steam craft--a small launch that had sailed up from Suncook.

It was a long, tiresome pull through the dead stretch, and he arrived at Suncook at dark pretty well fagged out.

Invitations to remain were plentiful; but he continued two miles further to Hookset where dry clothing awaited him.

Next morning an early start was made and he was able to have the Baby Mine with him for the rest of the journey.
The water from Hookset to Manchester is heavy; but by constant paddling he reached the latter place at noon.

There were more signs of life as he progressed.