The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-06-24


the river runs through deep gorge, and
narrows down to only small proportion OF
its former width. The mountains rise ah-
Iupay from the water in frowning grandeur,
while great rocks, from dizzy nights, project
out over the rushing, foaming torrent be-
low. To increase the troubles Of navigation
here the river makes sharp turn to the
left, after long, straight stretch, during
which time the water gathers great velocity
of motion and suddenly dashes against the
wall of rock at the elbow, recoils, and forms
a great, rapid, foaming eddy, after which 1T
rushes on down the gorge in mad fury, as II
trying to get revenge for the check 1t has
just received.
We perceived, even in the darkness, that
there was danger ahead. The great roar
and noise caused by the dashing OF the
angry waters against the rocks warned us.
We Rugged the left bank with our little
boat as closely as possible. AS we passed
the angry whirlpool, into which we seemed
to be drifting, our boat was struck ire
mendous blow by floating log. we
thought we were all dashed to pieces. The
blow hoisted us away, however, several
yards to the left, and we went flying down
the gorge like the wind.
We were afterwards told that q number OF
adventurous persons had, at different times,
lost their lives in trying to run down this
place, by getting swamped in this great
torrent, or whirlpool, and it was, no doubt,
owing to the blow received by the floating
log, by which our boat was knocked just
beyond the reach of danger, that we escaped
as fortunately as we did. 1t was provl-
dental blow for MS, although it came well
nigh crushing our boat.
We pulled at our paddles with might ana
main to keep the water from swapping our
boat, which sank pretty low in the current
and was now going at railroad speed. we
soon reached smoother water, and again
felt ourselves safe.
TAKING ON PILOT.
1t was now getting light, and, as we drifted
on, we saw man on shore motioning with
all his might for us TO approach him. AS
there seemed to be something unusual abOnt
his actions, we pulled III q little, when he
hailed MS and said If we went on as we were
then going. we would be drowned in spite
of late. He said -" You are strangers in
these parts, amt you?" We told him we
had never been down the river before al
though quite familiar with the country. he
then said: Strangers, Whatever you do,
don't try TO run down through the suck. ;
have lived here all my life, and have known
men who were well acquainted with the
river, to be drowned there. 1t is much
worse than the place you have just passed.
Wetried to persuade him to go with US and
pilot us down, but he said he was not well.
AT last, however, with much urging and the
promise of So, he consented to 20. We
rowed to the shore, and, after providing him
self with an extra paddle, he came aboard
and took charge of our craft, which we ran
AS close to the left shore as possible. The
water ran with such great velocity and
force that we found it almost impossible to
control the boat, although we all had paddles,
and were pulling as if for life. Our new pilot
understood his business we'll, and knew how
TO man boat.
AT the place where we apprehended most
danger, the river runs through narrow
gorge. The whole volume of water, thus
circumscribed, draws right to the center of
the channel. After ride which / never wish
10 repeat. we passed in safety, with no further
mishap than getting our boat nearly full of
water, which we soon baled out.
Our pilot now gave us careful directions
as TO the course we should take in the river
below, after which we dismissed him, first
paying him S. which we felt had been
EOOu investment, dS we WOuiu nave uouUC-
less been drowned, but for the accidental
fact of meeting this man. Though it had
been our practice to travel only in the night,
yet we had been compelled, through the
difficulty of navigating this part of the river,
to travel in daylight, which was imprudent,
as we were constantly reminded.
ON DANGEROUS GROUND.
may state just here fact which is well
known to all men who, in time of war, have
tried to escape from prison. The most criti
cal part Of a journey is that which lies inn
mediately between the two contending
armies. At such places between the two
hostile lines patrols are constantly moving
about. Outposts are established on all inn
portant roads, while videt and picket posts,
in command of the most active and vigilant
officers, are constantly on the alert for spies,
scouts, or prowlng bands of cayalrymen from
the enemy's camp.
Every stray man is picked up and sent to
the Officer of the Guard, who either sends
him to the guard-house or to the General at
Headquarters, and if the unfortunate fellow
does not tell pretty straight story, or if
there is ANYTHING susniciOns ahOut his an