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Meadows looked forward In the diht from the miner’s hard hat he could just see the torrent ahead, a cascade of white water that would make the rafts uncontrollable

“Ready with the paddles,” he shouted “The horse has to lead the cart”

Digging into the water on the left side of the raft, they swung the stern of their raft to the right The nose of the lead raft, which was carrying the Golden Buddha, pulled hard left but made the turn into the proper channel The turn was not as s the trio of men It slammed amidships into the junction, and the corner struck Jones hard in his right side He hung there for athem to the lead raft went taut and yanked them down the channel

“Jonesy’s been hurt,” Meadows shouted above the din

Pete Jones was clutching the side of his chest and wheezing to catch his breath Turning his head, in the diuished expression

“My ribs,” Jones roan

“We need to cut the raft loose,” Hornsby shouted “There’s no e’ll make the next turn”

“Maybe we should slit the side and sink the Buddha,” Meadows shouted “Then we can return when the water recedes and pull it out of here”

Jones gritted his teeth and stared at his watch “The Oregon,” he said painfully, “is due to sail this et this out noe never will”

Hornsby thought for a second, then decided The next junction would be co a pen from his shirt pocket, he stared at the GPS, then drew the rest of their intended course on the back of his hand

“Bob,” he said, “I’ht will place it low in the water, but it should still re the Buddha, cut me loose”

He handed Meadows the GPS

“You sure, Horny?”

Hornsby threw his paddle onto the top of the Buddha, pulled the rope to bring the rear raft closer, then turned

“Ready your knife,” he said