The river was rising rapidly, and there were no trees that could be cut down, with the sword bayonets, long enough to throw across.
At last, by good luck, at some distance farther down a native canoe was found, caught in the branches of a fallen tree.

It was a clumsy craft, but it was better than nothing.

Two native hammock boys and two soldiers took their places in it, and set out for the other side.

When it reached the centre of the stream, however, an eddy caught it and, in an instant, it capsized.
Captain Melliss at once plunged into the river.

He was a strong swimmer, and had gained the Royal Humane Society's medal for saving life at sea.