Year: 1872

lasted, but fortunately it was only few
moments. The huge tree was borne
along with rapidity. and the roots bare
ly missed US. We thtn saw that the
limbs would sweep US from our posi-
ton, and we made preparations to catch
hold of them if possible. A moment
more, and we were swept off, and were
being carried down the stream. had
seized limb, and after being in the wa
ter some ten or fifteen minutes, succeed
ed in climbing upon the main trunk of
the tree, and then looked around me for
the purpose of seeing what had become
of my co. .panions. Clinging to the
limbs in various parts of the tree, l
could see three of them, but the fourth,
Charley Maxwell, a wild, devilmay- care
fellow. who was tn life of the party,
was nowhere to be seen.


l naturally supposed that he had
failed to get upon the tree, and that he
either sunk beneath the angry waters or
was still struggling in the stream. Five
minutes had probably passed away.
during which time my companions had
managed to get themselves into secure
positions upon various portions of the
tree, when the CHEEKY voice of Maxwell
was heard asking:


How's she dragging, boys?"


Turning toward from whence the
voice proceeded, we saw Maxwell
perched upon the roots, high and dry


"W thought you were drowned,
Charley; but thank Heaven! you are
safe.


"Yes, I thought the old craft would
require a man at the wheel. and as you
know. served an apprenticeship as pi-
lot on Mississippi steamboat. I
thought had better take charge. She
does not steer very well however. Her
rudder chains must be out of order. "


Although the occasion was not one
for levity, we could not help laughing
at the odd conceit of Maxwell.


The tree, borne along by the current,
moving swiftly down the stream
through the canon.


The tide was grandly terrific, and fully
as dangerous as the most desperately
romantic person in tine world would
care about taking,


The water was roaring and dashing
against the walls of the canon, while its
surface was covered with trees, logs,
and driftwood, all being borne along
with irresistible force. We felt secure
enough SO long as the tree upon which
we were perched foated with the cur
rent, but knew full well that if by
chance the tree should lodge, it would
be whirled over, and ourselves thrown
off into the boiling waters.


Steady. boys, steady; hold fast, !"
came from Maxwell, who, seated upon
his perch on the roots, could see what
was ahead of US. "There is tree
almost directly in our course, and if we
strike it re overheard.


We held our breath and waited for
the moment that would in all proba
bility seal our fate. The current bore
us swiftly on until we were within forty
feet of the tree, when counter current
struck the roots and caused them to di-
verge slightly from the course.


"She steers better!" shouted Max
we'll; " shall miss the danger!"


A second more and the roots brushed
past the standing tree, and the limbs
struck against it and were broken into
pieces, and the tree upon which we
were aoated triumphantly by.


"Well and gallantly done. cried
Maxwell. Never cleared snag neat
er in my life. There's hope yet that
our gallant craft may weather the storm. !"


Ten minutes afterward we emerged
from the canon and found that the wa
ter had spread out over the entire val
ley. The rapid current was dead, and
and in its place we had placid, creamy
lake of water, covered with floating par
iicles of driftwood.


The tree upon which we were riding
glided out into the lake and after time
ceased to move. We were safe provi-
ding the water did not remain up too
long.


"a bully boat and bully crew


All, ah, ah, a-a-a-ah!


And bully pilot, tell you


Oh, oh, oh, o-o-o-o OH"
Sung Maxwell in his cheeriest tones,
as the tree ceased moving.


Boys" said he, Il consider this
one Of my best plotting feats, and want
you all to join in recommending me for
appointment to the position of Pilot Of
Cajon Canon.


All day we remained upon the log. the
water gradually receding. yet still too
deep for us to dare attempt to leave our
positions. At length night closed upon
us and we were still confined to our po-
sitlons.


shall not attempt to describe how
the long hours of the night slowly waned
away. and how we were compelled to
cling to the limbs to keep from falling
;rkr Sy,n ~w.ta- The rru dnriru the