Where there had been placid pools before there were rapids now, and it seemed prudent to leave behind the smaller boat, securely tied and hidden in the undergrowth, to be reclaimed on their return. The River roared so loud at times, and the banks on either side loomed so high, that the brightest part of the day seemed dark, and they often had to communicate with shouts and gestures. The further they went the more gorge-like the route became, and in places they had to drag the boat through the water with ropes about their chests, for punting or rowing was not always possible. “A few more days, Mole, and we’ll have to think of turning back,” said the Rat. But peering up the course of the roaring River, through the overhanging trees, they occasionally caught glimpses of huge skies and distant hills and mountains, and these intrigued the Mole. “I just want to get beyond that rise of ground, even if we must leave the boat and walk the last part,”
