"I think it means we are to come back."
"I don't though; now see," and Corman once more turned the raft round as if to row back. Instantly Father Dicoll began to wave his arms frantically, and the horseman ceased to shout. Suddenly he caught sight of Father Dicoll, something flashed in the air, and Father Dicoll ceased to wave his arms.
"What does that mean? He hasn't struck Father Dicoll, has he?"
"I don't like the look of it. I certainly shall not go back until I have left thee in a safe place."
Corman again turned the raft round, and headed it for the entrance of the creek. As he did so, the shouting began again.
"Ah! thou mayest shout, shout till thou art hoarse too, but I shan't come back yet."
"Oh, Corman, he has struck Father Dicoll! I saw him raise his arm, and then I saw Father Dicoll fall. How dreadful! and all because Father Dicoll tried to save me."
Corman was very much overcome.
"If any ill hath happened to him, the Lord will requite the doer of it; but it would be a grievous thing for any evil to befall him. Oh, Dicoll, my father, what shall I do bereft of thee? Sweet has thy intercourse been to me. Desolate am I, and deprived of life, if thy life be taken from me," and Corman ceased rowing, and gazed ruefully towards Boseham.
"Oh, Corman, look! the man is galloping along the shore, and——why, there are several more men coming down. What are they going to do?"