With a responding shout, the miners pushed off into
midstream and headed down river. For the first time in their four months'
fight against the river, the adventurers faced water too wicked-looking for
them to dare. It was out of the question for both men to try to ride in the
little rowboat, and the shores on each side afforded no foothold, after
half the length of the rapids was passed. Russell would not leave Monett
behind to shoot the rapids alone in the boat.
Attempt to Lower Boat through Rapids. Accordingly they took out all the
provisions and camera (the latter obtained at El Tovar), and tried to lower
the boat through the rapids by means of along rope, to which they clung
from their station on the shore. The force of the current was so great,
however, that to save themselves from being dragged into the water they
were forced to let go the rope. The little boat shot down the whirling
cataract, and the men saw it pounded against two sharp rocks below.
Boat Is Lost. To lose their boat at this point meant death. They could not
climb out of the Canyon. Their only chance was to follow and overtake the
boat, now floating slowly down the still water below the rapids, the
forward air-tight compartment filled with water and only the stern showing.
Russell made the plunge first, followed quickly by Monett.
