Major Taylor bent his sharp gaze upon the object in question for a moment, and then replied:
"It looks like the head of a person, and yet it is certainly an odd-looking head. We will call this hunter that has just come on board. Undoubtedly he can assist us."
In answer to the summons, Kent approached the bow of the boat, rifle in hand. He peered across the water, but for a time, failed to identify the thing.
"Stand back a little, and I'll give it a shot. I'll graze it at first, so as to be sure of what I am going to hit when I shoot next time."
The hunter raised his rifle, and holding it a second, fired. At the same instant the unknown object disappeared.
"I think you struck it!" remarked Leland.
"I didn't aim at it, and consequently it ain't been hit," returned Kent, with an air of assurance.
"Yonder it is this moment!"
As these words were uttered, it again appeared, and to the amazement of all, called out to them: