“It is a mercy that you went and were taken, George,” he said; “it has saved our lives, no doubt. But as I was saying, we want to gain time, and while we sit here slowly drifting down, with these menacing guns pointing in their direction, they will advance very slowly, and keep under cover. If it becomes necessary, I shall have the boat turned, and advance to meet them.”
“And then, father?”
“They will retire for a time, not being able to understand so bold an advance, and think that an attack is about to be made upon them from the other side. We must keep them back, and it is to be done by preserving a bold front. They are cruel and treacherous, and can fight well when they think they are in strength over a weak adversary; but from what I learned of those who have had to do with them, they are as cowardly as they are cruel. Look!”
I gazed sharply up the wooded bank of the river, but I could see nothing, and said so.
“No; they were gone directly. They were two spies who had stolen closer up. It means war in earnest now, I am afraid.”
He changed his position a little, and examined his gun.
“Mass’ goin’ shoot dat gun?” said Pomp, excitedly, after watching and listening with all his energy.
“Yes, my lad,” said my father, smiling.
“Mass’ won’t shoot Pomp?”
“No. Attend to the oars, and keep the boat’s head straight. Don’t speak.”