Shaddy's advice was easier to give than to execute. For though by
holding on to the boughs they were able to anchor the boat, it proved to
be a difficult task to force it in among the submerged stems to the spot
where the clear space of elevated ground offered a satisfactory
landing-place.
Thanks to the skill of the boatmen, however, a landing was at last
achieved, and as soon as Brazier leaped ashore he was followed by Rob
and Shaddy, the latter giving his men a few sharp orders before joining
the others, who were trying to force their way back along the bank
toward where they had last seen their companion.
This was difficult, but possible for a short distance, and they pressed
on hopefully, for, consequent upon the sudden turn of the river here
forming a loop, they had only to cross this sharp bend on foot, not a
quarter of the distance it would have been to row round.
But before they had gone fifty yards the high-and-dry land ended, and
Rob, who was, thanks to his activity, first, was about to wade in and
continue his way among the submerged roots.