"Then go armed," implored Ralph, "for the robbers are armed to the teeth."
"You are sure?" asked she.
"Quite sure," said Ralph.
She called up some of the men; and the village chief having now plucked up a little energy, a boat was prepared, and put off across the stream.
So much time was lost, however, that the robbers had already linked two sledges together, and were punting them away with all speed. Upon seeing the villagers' boat, which was impelled by six men, gaining rapidly upon them, and followed by two more, they pointed their guns at the foremost.
"Stand back!" they cried, "or we fire."
"We had better return," whispered the fat old Shway Poh.
"Coward!" hissed out Kirke, thirsting for the fray. "What! they are but five."
"They are desperate men," whined Shway Poh.