"
It was to Paul, the most imaginative of them all, to whom the mighty river
made the greatest appeal. It seemed beneficent and kindly to him, a friend
in need. Nature, Paul thought, had often come to their assistance,
watching over them, as it were, and helping them when they were weakest.
And, in truth, what they saw that morning was enough to inspire a bold
young wilderness rover.
The river turned from yellow to a lighter tint in the brilliant sunlight.
Little waves raised by the wind ran across the slowly-flowing current. As
far as they could see the stream extended to eastward, carried by the
flood deep into the forest. The air was crisp, with the sparkle of spring,
and all the adventurers rejoiced.
Now and then great flocks of wild fowl, ducks and geese, flew over the
river, and they were so little used to man that more than once they passed
close to the boat.
"The Spaniards are too far away to hear," said Henry, "and the next time
any wild ducks come near I'm going to try one of these fowling pieces. We
need fresh ducks, anyway."
He took out a fowling piece, loaded it carefully with the powder and shot
that the locker furnished in abundance and waited his time. By and by a
flock of wild ducks flew near and Henry fired into the midst of them.
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