But Doc Clancy, though continually exposed, had not been hit.
Though the villain seemed to bear a charmed life, he concluded to proceed a little more cautiously.
He gave orders to the men to make a circle and row around so as to get on the other side of the boat.
When Van saw this he began to grow very uneasy.
Our three friends were truly in a bad box. If they attempted to row the boat so as to get away from Clancy and his crowd, they would surely be shot down; and if they remained quietly where they were it would only be a question of time before they would be wiped out.
Before they had time to decide upon what action to take they were astonished to hear a number of rifle shots up the river.
They lifted their heads quickly and glanced at those who were pursuing them.
Doc Clancy and his gang were making for the shore with all their might.
And no wonder! for down the river a boat was being rapidly rowed by half a dozen stalwart blacks.
In the bow was a small swivel cannon, the muzzle of which pointed at the miscreants in the boat in a threatening manner.