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CHAPTER XXV
THE GOVERNMENT BOAT
But building a raft was not an easy matter. True, the trees could be cut down, but our friends were not skillful woodsmen, and there was nothing with which to bind the logs together. There were some tent ropes, but they were needed to keep up the canvas shelters as long as possible.
"We'll do the best we can, though," decided Mr. Ringold, as he and the men and boys labored at the raft.
They hastened with the work, for the water crept higher and higher. By using tough withes, and wild grapevines, they managed to bind the logs fairly well, but, at best, the raft was a very frail affair.
"I'll never trust myself on that!" declared Miss Shay, shuddering.
"I don't much fancy it myself," admitted Mr. Piper.
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