The action placed Jack behind his master, instead of in front, and it could not but suggest several desperate expedients to him, who was resolved not to allow himself to be taken across the river. He had witnessed enough from his elevated lookout to convince him that the stream on his right was his Rubicon; if he once passed that, there would be no return.
CHAPTER XVI.
A STARTLING CONCLUSION.
Jack Carleton stealthily pressed his left hand against his breast; his knife was where he could whip it out when wanted.
Why couldn't he draw it, and leaping forward, bury it in the side of his captor before he could save himself?
"It will be a dreadful thing," he reflected, compressing his lips, "but it is the only chance I have; I'll try it!"
He began insinuating his hand under his coat, and groped for the only weapon on which he could now rely. In his eagerness he stepped more softly and slightly crouched, as one is apt to do at such a time.
It may have been that his captor took the lead for a short distance with a view of tempting him to make some such demonstration; but more than likely, the excessive caution of the lad betrayed him; for, before he could draw his knife, the face was turned, and stepping aside, he motioned Jack to assume the leadership—that is, under his direction.
The captive did not think it wise to refuse, but moved promptly to the front and continued the march in the same direction they had followed from the first.