"They will fire into us, no doubt. Had I not better run in to the other shore?"
"No; there may be a host of 'em there. Keep in the middle of the stream, and we'll give 'em the slip yet."
It must be confessed that Leslie experienced rather strange sensations as he neared the locality which had excited their suspicion, especially when he knew that he was exposed to any shot that they might feel inclined to give. A shudder ran through his frame, when, directly opposite the spot, he distinctly heard a groan of agony.
Kent made a motion for him to cease rowing. Bending their heads down and listening, they again heard that now loud, agonizing expression of mortal pain.
As soon as Leslie was certain that the sound proceeded from some being in distress, he headed the boat toward the shore.
"Stop!" commanded Kent; "you should have more sense than that."
"But will you not assist a person in distress?" asked he, gazing reproachfully into his face.
"Who's in distress?"
"Oh, Gorra mighty! I's been dyin'," now came from the shore.
"Hallo there! what's wantin'?" called Whiteman.