He was nervous, and listened with painful interest for the slightest sound. The falling of a leaf startled him; and, at last, unable to restrain himself, he determined again to fire his gun.
At that instant there came a crash of Leland's rifle, followed by the maddened shouts of infuriated savages, so near that Leslie sprung to his feet and gazed about him. Recovering himself, he stooped, and, seizing a paddle, began shoving the boat toward shore, fully determined to afford his friend all the assistance that lay in his power.
The boat had hardly touched, when there was a rustling in the bushes directly before him, and the next instant Kent stood beside him.
"Quick—shove out! They are after me!" he exclaimed, springing into the boat and grasping the oars.
"Where is George?" asked Leslie.
"They've got him, and came nigh getting me. Cuss the infernal devils!"
In a moment the two had freed themselves from the bushes. As the yells of their enemies were heard upon the shore, they had reached the center of the stream, and were passing swiftly downward.