“Why not land and try and find shelter in the woods?”
“Because, sir, they’d destroy our boat and follow us and shoot us down like so many wild beasts. Our only hope is to keep on as long as we can, and if the chance comes take to the rapid and get on it. They mightn’t care about venturing in their light boats. But we shall see.”
There was a very stern look in Brazier’s countenance, a look that seemed to have been reflected from that of the old sailor, as weapons were once more examined.
“I don’t like fighting, boys,” he said, “but if we are driven to it, we must defend our lives.”
Then turning to Shaddy, “Can’t you depend upon your men to help us, Naylor?” he said.
“I’m going to depend upon ’em to row, sir,” said the old sailor sternly. “We can kill quite enough people without their help. They’re the engines, sir, to take us out of danger, while we keep the enemy at a distance.”
Meanwhile the boat was being steadily propelled toward the end of the lake-like enlargement of the river, where a few low hills rose, showing where the rapids would be which they had to surmount; but it soon became evident that the light canoes would be alongside before the exit from the lake could be reached, and Rob said so.
“Yes, sir, you’re quite right, unless we can scare them off,” said the guide, who had been busy making a rough barricade in the stern by piling boxes and barrels one upon another, leaving openings through which they could fire, saying, “It isn’t strength we want so much as shelter to baulk their aim, for they’re terribly clever with their bows and arrows, Mr Rob, sir.”
But very little was said in those anxious minutes, with the little party, after their many struggles with nature, now called upon to prepare to face man in his savage form.
“Feel frightened, Joe?” whispered Rob as the two boys lay together by a couple of loopholes, well sheltered beneath the awning.