“Is that kuss the devil himself?” queried Simon, wonderingly. “How in the Old Scratch did he get thar?”
The sound of rustling increased on the island, and at last the ranger saw a bush move.
Crack went his rifle on the instant.
It was blended with a report from the opposite side of the river, and Kenton saw the white smoke curl up from the very place whence his foe had not stirred.
But where went that bullet?
The question was answered ere asked.
Both foemen had arrived at the island, and a shower of splintered bark and twigs flew up from the midst of the bush at which both marksmen had aimed!
A loud shriek, in the unmistakable tones of a woman, rose from the island, and the rustling of bushes became violent, as some one fell back into cover.
Then all was still again.