But at the time only the suction of the farther U, where the break was made, caused a gentle current to be visible at this side of the backwater.

If the dam held, it would be quite a time before the level of the lake above would be appreciably altered.

Slowly, inch by inch, each inch representing none might say how much in power of ruin, it would sink, and in time reveal the ancient bed of the river.

If the remnant of the dam held, that would be true.

Happy the human race aspiring to erect such a barrier, that so few suffered in this rebirth of the wilderness.