Considering her bulk, she answered to the oar very well.
Another five minutes and we were near the middle of the stream.
At that point there was but little current and we drifted slowly.
Harry went to the bow, while I took up a position on the
stern--if I may use such terms for such a craft--directly behind
Desiree. We figured that we were then about a mile from the Point
where the stream left the cavern.
Gradually, as the stream narrowed, the strength of the current
increased. Still it was smooth, and the raft sailed along without
a tremor. Once or twice, caught by some trick of the current, she
turned half round, poking her nose ahead, but she soon righted
herself.
The water began to curl up on the sides as we were carried more
and more swiftly onward, with a low murmur that was music to us.
The stream became so narrow that we could see the bank on either
side, though dimly, and I knew we were approaching the exit.
I called to Harry: "Keep her off to the right as we make the
turn!" and he answered: "Aye, aye, sir!" with a wave of the hand.
This, at least, was action with a purpose.
Another minute and we saw the arch directly ahead of us, round a
bend in the stream.
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