Just as they came round the next bend of the river the engine went 'phut, phut..' and came to a stop. Nella tried to start the engine again. No, it wouldn't start. They were stuck.
"Let's get the wooden oars," said Jed. "Maybe we can push the boat free."
They tried but it was no use.
"We're stuck on a sandbank," said Nella. "We'll just have to sit here and wait for the water to rise."
"It's boring!" said Jed.
"Well, we'll just have to start our picnic now!" said Nella.
She got out the special sandwiches and they sat munching for a while.
Suddenly, they felt the boat move.
"We're off again!"
The boat moved slowly off the sandbank and into the central river channel. The engine started again.
They continued their journey down the river. It was so exciting. The water sparkled in the hot sunlight and they felt sleepy. They could see trees at the side of the river with amazingly big roots.
"They're mangrove trees," said Jed.
They saw a small river leading off the main one. It wasn't on the map. "Let's explore in there!" said Nella.
The boat passed under the canopy of trees into a smaller channel. The river banks were closer and they could see into the forest. There were huge tall trees and underneath it was darker with vines and creepers trailing down from the canopy.
"It's incredible!" said Jed.
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