"What reason had you for firing upon me?" asked Leslie, approaching him.
"Well, not any. I saw you coming down-stream, and an idea seized me to learn if you were easily frightened."
"I felt rather nervous when that shot came," returned Leslie, pointing at the hole in his oar.
"It was a close rub; but, of course, I took good care not to make it too close."
"What is the news? What reason have you for being here?" asked Leslie, interrupting him.
"News enough," returned Leland, gloomily.
"Step in the boat and let me hear it."
As they passed down-stream, Leland narrated his story, and when he had finished, remarked:
"Roland, I have sought you for advice and assistance, and I trust both will be given."
"Gladly! Do you think, George, that I could rest as long as your sister is in the hands of those savages?"