"Now we can see our way," said Banneker, the practical.
He studied the few rods of sleek, foamless water between him and the
farther bank, and, going to the steel boat which Mindle had brought to
the place on the hand car, took brief inventory of its small cargo.
Satisfied, he turned to load in Io's few belongings. He shipped the
oars.
"I'll let her go stem-first," he explained; "so that I can see what
we're coming to and hold her if there's trouble."
"But can you see?" objected Miss Van Arsdale, directing a troubled look
at the breaking sky.
"If we can't, we'll run her ashore until we can."
He handed Io the flashlight and the map.
"You'll want me in the bow seat if we're traveling reversed," said she.
He assented. "Good sailorwoman!"
"I don't like it," protested Miss Van Arsdale. "It's a mad business.
Ban, you oughtn't to take her."
"It's too late to talk of that," said Io.
"Ready?" questioned Banneker.
"Yes."
He pushed the stern of the boat into the stream, and the current laid it
neatly and powerfully flat to the sheer bank. Io kissed Camilla Van
Arsdale quickly and got in.
"We'll wire you from Miradero," she promised. "You'll find the message
in the morning."
The woman, mastering herself with a difficult effort, held out her hand
to Banneker.
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