an overhanging tree, I figured I could take the painter, jump and even though I might fall, I could surely get hold of a branch. But the most serious question was the possibility of not being able to hold the heavily loaded Canoe. So I tied the painter around my waist, leaving both hands free to grab anything I could reach. If I missed, I would be dragged into the water, but had to take a chance on that.
Hornby & I changed place in the Canoe – a ticklish bit of work in water which was quite choppy – I got one foot right on the bow of the Canoe & prepared to jump whilst he steadied it with his paddle, and as we swept down to the tree, I jumped as far as I could from my uncertain perch, fell on the ice but got a good hold of a branch, and held on. The rope did its best to cut me in half but the strain lessened as our craft swung in to shore. I finally managed to make fast.
One look from on shore showed us the certain
