The river was full of boats. There were barges, motor boats and a few wooden fishing boats with deep red sails. Tate sat on the bank watching the activity.
Feeling fortunate to have so many boats to choose from, she examined a nearby barge, the Margot, piloted by a friendly-looking gentleman with a beard. " This will do nicely," she thought to herself, and stepped lightly onto the deck.
Soon after Tate had boarded, the barge moved away from the bank and headed up the river toward Grand Oiseau-sur-l'Arbre. Tate stretched out for a nap in the bright sunshine.