Brad had paused with his paddle uplifted. A strange expression settled on his rugged face.
“Look here, Dick,” he said, in a low tone, “I don’t more than half reckon that was accidental.”
“What do you mean?”
“Somehow I fancy a whole lot that the bullet was intended for you.”
“Impossible!” exclaimed Dick.
“All the same, I’ve got it into my head that way. I say, partner, let’s land on that island and see who did the shooting.”
Immediately Dick dipped his paddle into the water and headed the canoe toward the island.
Barely had they taken a stroke or two, before Merriwell saw another canoe move out from the opposite side of the island and swiftly glide away. There were two persons in it, and both were plying paddles.
“There they go, Buckhart!” said Dick. “One of them fired that shot.”
“Hike up, partner!” exclaimed the Texan. “Let’s get after the galoots good and lively.”