During the week, the boys went out on several hunting expeditions. Many quail1 and jack-rabbits fell victims to their good aim. Dick Travers had been gradually developing what Dave described as a severe attack of "photographis nightowlis." He was constantly talking of Hank Merwin and the promised jacklight expedition, and Dave was sympathetic.
"Before it gets any worse, fellows, we'd better pull up stakes for a while," he said.
"That's good," approved Havens2. "We can come back to the dugout any time," and, Bob agreeing, the matter was thereupon settled.
One morning, bright and early, they were ready to start. A great part of the outfit3 was hidden, the hunters carrying only what was absolutely necessary. Of course each was provided with a stout4 pole having a spike5 at the end.
"We'll have a dandy time out with Hank Merwin," said Havens. "He looks solemn enough—never smiles—but he'll treat you white."
At the first clearing, a magnificent view brought forth6 delighted exclamations7. Streamers of purple mist hung over the valley, while the early morning sun cast a rosy8 glow over the snow-covered mountain summits which stood out against a pearly green sky.
Masses of pink and white laurel, gay in sunlight and cool in shadow, sent forth their delicate odors to mingle9 with those of the wild rose and grape blossoms.
Presently Bob Somers held up his hand—"Listen."
As they progressed, the sound changed into a steady roar. It was not difficult to guide themselves by it, nor easy to go in a direct line, on account of irregularities in the mountain slope. Dense13 masses of vegetation also interfered14, but by persevering15 for about fifteen minutes the boys emerged from a heavy belt of timber, to find an extensive prospect16 opening out before them.
"Oh, ho—the finest I ever saw," sighed the "poet."
Rising almost perpendicularly20, a gigantic wall of whitish rock jutted21 out from the side of a gorge22. Perhaps a hundred feet above them, a foaming23, glittering stream dashed over the edge, spreading out like a fan in its descent, and dashing with a thunderous roar upon the rocks below. Clouds of mist rose above the boiling, bubbling water and showers of dancing drops glittered like diamonds in the sunlight.
The four approached the edge of the ravine that hemmed24 in the torrent25. Havens, shouting at the top of his voice, explained that a short distance further along there was another cascade.
Several animals on the heights above the cascade were seen moving about, now and then leaping lightly from rock to rock.
"Big horns—mountain sheep—good eating, too," said Havens, laconically27.
Bob Somers brought out his field-glass. "By Jove, isn't it wonderful how they keep their footing?" he cried. "Look, Dave!"
The powerful glass brought the animals close into view, and the "poet" gazed long and earnestly. He could see them bunch their four feet together, poise28 for an instant, then leap gracefully29 and land on the steepest rocks.
"That's a great sight, Bob," he said, at length.
"Big horns generally keep above the timber line," explained Havens. "They go in bands of about fifty. Some of the old stagers are whoppers."
"Wish I could get a snap-shot of 'em," sighed Dick.
They watched the wild sheep for some time, then retraced30 their steps and before long were again on their way down the mountain slopes. They found the descent both difficult and dangerous. Gullies and precipices31 were encountered, and a misstep might have resulted disastrously32.
It was about noon when they finally scrambled33 over a ledge34 of rocks and reached a clear, swift-flowing stream.
"Oh, ho, how glad I am to get down with arms and legs safe and sound," sighed Dave.
"This stream leads to the lake where Hank Merwin has his cabin," announced Jim Havens.
"That's what I call a bit of good news," said Bob. "Let's have a bite to eat—that is if Chubby35 is willing."
"Willing?" groaned36 Dave, as he lolled at full length. "I couldn't go a step further without something to strengthen me. If there was only a store around where a fellow could get a plate of ice cream, eh? Um—um."
"Wish to thunder we could swim to Hank Merwin's," remarked Dick, with a glance toward the swift current.
"Not as much as I do," said Dave, languidly.
"Hank is a crackerjack at cooking," put in Havens. "Most likely he'll get up a fine spread, if we reach there in time."
"Eh? That sounds interesting," said Dave. "We must give him a chance. Come ahead, fellows," and he sank back on the turf and closed his eyes.
A little judicious37 tickling38 with a blade of grass soon brought him to his feet, however, whereupon the boys, in single file, began to trudge39 along the bank.
In about half an hour they reached a dilapidated log cabin.
"H'm—about the worst wreck40 I ever saw," commented Bob. "Struck by lightning, blown over by a cyclone41, or knocked out by an earthquake?"
"All three—I should say," chimed in Dick, with a grin. "More logs lying about the ground than on the walls."
"Hey, fellows, I've got an idea," said Bob, suddenly. "A dandy one, too."
"Quick—speak out. Don't let it get away," grinned Dick. "Something tells me it's something."
"Well, why not make a raft?"
"A raft!" echoed his companions.
"Yes! Why not? That's better than swimming, isn't it? We ought to be able to steer with a couple of poles, all right, and keep out of the way of rocks, eh, Havens? Dandy fun, besides."
Jim reflected. "A good scheme, Bob. Only there are some pretty swift rapids. We might get upset in the middle of one—that sounds nice, eh?"
"But if we walk," drawled Dave, "it means a lot more climbing, doesn't it?"
"Sure thing," said Jim.
"Then I say, real loud, build a raft—but do you think it can be done?" An anxious look came over the stout boy's face.
"Of course," asserted Bob, confidently.
"By Jove, there are enough loose logs around to build two rafts, Chubby," said Bob. "Don't you see 'em? But let's begin on the job."
"I'm willing, if the rest are," put in Jim Havens, slowly.
In a few minutes the four guns were stacked, their outfits44 piled in a heap, and then the sound of axe45 and hatchet46 resounded47 through the forest. Cutting the logs to the proper length was a hard task, but the boys worked with a vim48 and were rewarded by success. A sufficient number finally lay at the water's edge.
"And with the old door from the cabin nailed across it ought to be solid," said Dick.
The work progressed rapidly. The raft was not a thing of beauty, but it promised to hold together. The roots used were extremely tough and flexible, and, fortunately, great quantities were close at hand. Bound securely with these, and braced50 by strips from the door, the raft was completed to their satisfaction.
"Now we'll fashion a couple of paddles, and begin our voyage," said Bob.
"Don't forget a rest for the guns," put in Dave.
"That's so, my boy. Great head."
"A couple of short logs, with a strip nailed across the tops, will do the trick."
"Somebody's got to look out for 'em, though. You will, Dave?—good."
At last, everything was ready. The raft had been built on a shelving bank, and after a hard tussle51 was set afloat.
"All aboard the 'Mayflower'!" yelled Bob. He stood, paddle in hand, with Havens at his side.
"Let 'er go, cap'n!" cried Dave. "All overboard at the next rock. Hurrah! We're off, and still on!"
The clumsy pile of logs swung slowly out, then caught by the swift current, began its voyage down-stream.
With but little effort the boys kept it well out from the shore, and the motion was delightful52.
"Oh, ho, what views—look at the reflections," said Dave.
"And isn't the water clear?" put in Bob. "You can see the bottom."
"We'll see it closer, if you don't keep her steady," said Havens, with a laugh.
At good speed, they swept along. The stream soon widened out, each shore presenting a most picturesque54 appearance. Oaks and maples55 hung far over, and occasionally a birch stood out sharply white against its fellows.
"Rocks ahead! Port your helm," sang out Dick.
"Aye, aye, sir!" laughed Bob.
The two navigators pushed their poles down against the pebbly56 bottom and by exerting all their strength succeeded in swinging the unwieldy craft to one side.
"By jingo!" cried Dick. "We're stuck."
He had hardly uttered the words, however, when the mass of logs slowly ground off the submerged rock into clear water again.
"And this is just the beginning," remarked Havens, rubbing his legs. "Nothing soft about these logs, fellows."
"Hello, we're going into a canyon58 soon, sure as blazes," remarked Dick, rather apprehensively59. "I'll bet the old thing hits a rock and busts60."
The valley began to narrow, and before many minutes had elapsed the raft was running between high, precipitous banks, then, swinging around a bend, the walls of a canyon came into view.
"We're in for it now," said Havens, with a long breath. "Wow!"
As they entered the dark gorge, a chilling breeze swept in their faces; the current fairly raced along, and, as the voyagers looked up at the straight walls of rock, they began to doubt the wisdom of their course. Rocks, and snags, too, were numerous.
"Mind your eye!" yelled Havens. "If we get dumped into this pocket, we'll be in a mess, sure enough."
"You bet we will," panted Bob. "Look out for that rock straight ahead, Jim. Now—both together."
By vigorous efforts, they once more kept clear of the obstruction61, then, as the gorge became still narrower, they were obliged to redouble their efforts.
"Oh, ho, real exciting sport, this," remarked Dave.
"Canyon ends just beyond it," called out Havens. "Look out, though, we're coming to the worst stretch of all."
With a rush and a roar, the river swept around the giant cliffs. The "Mayflower" shook convulsively, swung in a half-circle, then, gripped by another current, wobbled violently.
Only quick work prevented a catastrophe63, and all breathed a sigh of relief when the wider valley was again reached.
"Hey there, ye chumps—what d'ye mean by scarin' away them ducks?" yelled a stentorian65 voice.
"'Surly Joe,'" said Havens, laconically.
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1
quail
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| n.鹌鹑；vi.畏惧，颤抖 | |
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havens
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| n.港口，安全地方( haven的名词复数 )v.港口，安全地方( haven的第三人称单数 ) | |
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outfit
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| n.（为特殊用途的）全套装备，全套服装 | |
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spike
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| n.长钉，钉鞋；v.以大钉钉牢，使...失效 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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exclamations
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| n.呼喊( exclamation的名词复数 )；感叹；感叹语；感叹词 | |
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rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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mingle
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| vt.使混合，使相混；vi.混合起来；相交往 | |
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murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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cascade
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| n.小瀑布，喷流；层叠；vi.成瀑布落下 | |
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steer
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| vt.驾驶，为…操舵；引导；vi.驾驶 | |
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dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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interfered
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| v.干预( interfere的过去式和过去分词 )；调停；妨碍；干涉 | |
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persevering
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| a.坚忍不拔的 | |
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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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gee
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| n.马；int.向右！前进！，惊讶时所发声音；v.向右转 | |
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18
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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19
stunning
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| adj.极好的；使人晕倒的 | |
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perpendicularly
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| adv. 垂直地, 笔直地, 纵向地 | |
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21
jutted
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| v.（使）突出( jut的过去式和过去分词 )；伸出；（从…）突出；高出 | |
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gorge
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| n.咽喉，胃，暴食，山峡；v.塞饱，狼吞虎咽地吃 | |
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foaming
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| adj.布满泡沫的；发泡 | |
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hemmed
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| 缝…的褶边( hem的过去式和过去分词 )； 包围 | |
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torrent
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| n.激流，洪流；爆发，(话语等的)连发 | |
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pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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laconically
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| adv.简短地，简洁地 | |
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poise
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| vt./vi. 平衡，保持平衡；n.泰然自若，自信 | |
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gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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retraced
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| v.折回( retrace的过去式和过去分词 )；回忆；回顾；追溯 | |
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precipices
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| n.悬崖，峭壁( precipice的名词复数 ) | |
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disastrously
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| ad.灾难性地 | |
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scrambled
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| v.快速爬行( scramble的过去式和过去分词 )；攀登；争夺；（军事飞机）紧急起飞 | |
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ledge
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| n.壁架，架状突出物；岩架，岩礁 | |
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chubby
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| adj.丰满的，圆胖的 | |
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groaned
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| v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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judicious
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| adj.明智的，明断的，能作出明智决定的 | |
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tickling
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| 反馈，回授，自旋挠痒法 | |
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trudge
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| v.步履艰难地走；n.跋涉，费力艰难的步行 | |
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40
wreck
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| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
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41
cyclone
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| n.旋风，龙卷风 | |
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42
suspense
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| n.（对可能发生的事）紧张感，担心，挂虑 | |
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43
hurrah
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| int.好哇，万岁，乌拉 | |
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44
outfits
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| n.全套装备( outfit的名词复数 )；一套服装；集体；组织v.装备，配置设备，供给服装( outfit的第三人称单数 ) | |
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45
axe
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| n.斧子；v.用斧头砍，削减 | |
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46
hatchet
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| n.短柄小斧；v.扼杀 | |
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47
resounded
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| v.（指声音等）回荡于某处( resound的过去式和过去分词 )；产生回响；（指某处）回荡着声音 | |
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48
vim
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| n.精力，活力 | |
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49
bind
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| vt.捆，包扎；装订；约束；使凝固；vi.变硬 | |
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50
braced
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| adj.拉牢的v.支住( brace的过去式和过去分词 )；撑牢；使自己站稳；振作起来 | |
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51
tussle
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| n.&v.扭打，搏斗，争辩 | |
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52
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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53
whoop
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| n.大叫，呐喊，喘息声；v.叫喊，喘息 | |
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54
picturesque
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| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
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55
maples
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| 槭树，枫树( maple的名词复数 )； 槭木 | |
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56
pebbly
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| 多卵石的，有卵石花纹的 | |
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57
jolt
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| v.（使）摇动，（使）震动，（使）颠簸 | |
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58
canyon
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| n.峡谷，溪谷 | |
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apprehensively
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| adv.担心地 | |
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60
busts
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| 半身雕塑像( bust的名词复数 )； 妇女的胸部； 胸围； 突击搜捕 | |
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obstruction
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| n.阻塞，堵塞；障碍物 | |
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62
grumbled
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| 抱怨( grumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 发牢骚； 咕哝； 发哼声 | |
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63
catastrophe
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| n.大灾难，大祸 | |
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64
clump
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| n.树丛，草丛；vi.用沉重的脚步行走 | |
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stentorian
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| adj.大声的，响亮的 | |
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66
lank
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| adj.瘦削的；稀疏的 | |
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