On the opposite bank, Fast Eddie passed the time by inspecting their deflated raft. Vivian kept her eyes focused upriver, waiting for the first sign of a raft coming to their rescue. She didn’t know how much longer she could stand Shick’s exuberance, much less the cold. She looked away for a few seconds to check on Eddie and his progress when Shick ran splashing back into the river. He had grabbed a paddle and used it to wave at an oncoming raft. This caught Eddie’s attention, and he pointed vigorously toward his stranded rafters. The guide raised his paddle in acknowledgment. Thank God. We’re going to be rescued! They all watched as the raft made it through the Boat Eater without taco-ing, tumping or taking on too much water. Their guide steered toward Shick, who waited in the water to pull them ashore. “I see you showered today,” the guide said as he pulled up. “We went for a little swim, but the hot water was out,” Shick said. “Pile in, river rats.” The four other passengers moved aside to make room.
