Part 21 (1/2)

”No wonder they had to build a ca.n.a.l,” said Fleet.

”It's a wonder to me that those rapids are pa.s.sable from any direction,”

said Bert.

”But they are. See that steamer! She's just getting into them.”

Following the direction of Chot's extended hand, they saw one of the river boats which ply between Toronto, Thousand Islands, Montreal and Quebec, just as she was entering the rapids. Swaying from side to side, turning first this way, then that, as a skilful pilot guided her through the safer spots, she raced ahead at a rapid pace, with all steam shut off.

”Say, I'd like to be on her,” said Pod.

”Maybe you wouldn't after you got in the rapids,” said Fleet.

”I think it would be a fine trip.”

”I agree with you,” said Chot. ”A little excitement is healthy.”

Tom and Bert nodded their heads to signify their approval of this remark.

”But we can't go everywhere or do everything during one vacation,” said Chot, ”so let's be satisfied with our trip as originally planned. By the time we've had enough of the Thousand Islands we'll have to make a bee-line for Mortonville if we expect to spend any time with our folks before the fall term opens.”

”And I must go to Bayville. Mr. Hounson would never forgive me if I pa.s.sed him by,” said Pod.

”Naturally not,” said Chot. ”He's your benefactor. You owe him everything.”

”I know I do,” said the little fellow earnestly. ”If it hadn't been for him I never would have been able to enter Winton.”

”I wonder how our telephone is getting along?” ventured Fleet.

”Very well, no doubt,” said Chot. ”Our folks have been making good use of it. There was nothing to do but have the batteries restored occasionally.”

”And we'll use it again, won't we?” cried Fleet, delighted at the thought.

”Surely,” said Tom. ”I feel that we had a hard enough time getting it up, with Chot s.h.i.+rking his duty to talk to Lucy Pendleton, that we ought to get all the good we can out of it.”

It was fast growing dark, but the boys saw a number of lights on Isle Perrot, and headed toward one of these with the intention of seeking out a camping place.

CHAPTER XV-THE THOUSAND ISLANDS AT LAST

No more delightful camping ground could be imagined than that discovered by the boys on Isle Perrot. Lying at the mouth of the Ottawa River, the arms of which pa.s.s on either side, as they flow into the larger stream on their way to the sea, the island is at all times tempered by cooling breezes, and the nights, especially, are so comfortable that once the traveler reaches the island he is loath to leave it.

The boys had no difficulty in finding a grove in which to pitch their tent. There was one near the water's edge on the south sh.o.r.e. Across from here, Chot found by consulting his map, was Cascade Point, at the eastern end of the Soulanges Ca.n.a.l. This ca.n.a.l would carry them a great many miles around Cascades, Split Rock, Cedars and Coteau Rapids to Coteau Landing, where they would enter the river proper again.

Nothing occurred to disturb their slumbers. They awoke before sun-up, and despite the chilliness of the atmosphere, took a plunge in the cool waters of the river.

By seven-thirty they were on their way again, and paddling across the few intervening miles, they entered the Soulanges Ca.n.a.l. Here, of course, the water was smooth and still, and they moved along at a good rate, though the current somewhat r.e.t.a.r.ded their progress.

Late in the afternoon they arrived at Coteau's Landing, where they decided to spend another night. This spot is one of the most interesting on the St. Lawrence. Stretching out before them was Lake St. Francis, over which, by utilizing Clark and Grand Islands, one of our large railway systems has erected a bridge, almost at the head of Coteau Rapids. It is a magnificent piece of railway construction, and brought forth many admiring comments from the boys.