A low whistle called the sergeant to his side,
bringing with him the rollers and paddles from the spot where they
had landed. They soon felt that the boat was a large one, and that
their strength would have been wholly insufficient to get her into
the water without the aid of the lever and rollers. Taking the
former they placed its end under the stern post, and placing a
roller under its heel to serve as a pivot they threw their weight
on the other end of the lever and at once raised the boat some
inches in the air.
Grant held the lever down and Malcolm slid a roller as far up
under the keel as it would go; the lever was then shifted and the
boat again raised, and the process was continued until her weight
rested upon three rollers. She was now ready to be launched, and
as the bank was steep they had no doubt of their ability to run her
down. An examination had already shown that their paddles would be
needless, as the oars were inside her. They took their places one
on each side of the bow, and applying their strength the boat glided
rapidly down.
"Gently, Grant," Malcolm said, "don't let her go in with a splash.
There may be some sentries within hearing."
They continued their work cautiously, and the boat noiselessly
entered the water. Getting out the oars they gave her a push, and
she was soon floating down the stream. The rowlocks were in their
places, and rowing with extreme care so as to avoid making the
slightest sound they made their way across the river.
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