In response to his questions Milton said:
"We unload the boats and make the dunnage up into fifty pound loads.
Then we look over the trail. Sometimes we have merely to get up on our
two legs and walk it. Other times we have to make trail even for
ourselves, let alone for the boats. Sometimes we can portage the
freight and lower the boats through the water by tow ropes. But for
this falls, there's nothing to do but to make trail and drag the boats
over it."
"It's no trip for babes!" exclaimed Enoch. "That's certain! Do you
like the work, Milton?"
"It's a work no one would do voluntarily without liking it," replied
the young man. "I like it. I wouldn't want to give my life to it,
but--" he paused to look over toward the others busily unloading the
Na-che,--"but nothing will ever do again for me what this experience
has."
"And may I ask what that is?" Enoch's voice was eager.
Milton searched Enoch's face carefully, then answered slowly.
"Sometime when we are having a rest, I'll tell you, if you really want
to know."
"Thanks! And now set me to work, Captain," said Enoch.
The way beside the falls was nothing more than a narrow ledge
completely covered with giant bowlders. Beyond the falls, the river
hurled itself for a quarter of a mile against broken rocks that made
the passage of a boat impossible.
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