There was something very startling in Shaddy’s tones as he uttered these words, and Brazier looked at him wonderingly.
“We shall have to come back this way, so why not retreat at once with the stream?”
“Because we don’t come back this way, sir; that’s all. Didn’t the lads tell you? I’m going to take you into the big river another way.”
“I say, look out!” cried Rob excitedly, as he saw the water flashing behind at the rapid dip of the Indians’ paddles and noticed the stolid look in the heavy round faces of the men astern, who sat ready with their bows and arrows, the spears of the paddlers projecting from the front.
Almost directly after the intentions of the Indians were shown not to be peaceful, for a straggling flight of arrows came whistling through the air, several of the missiles falling just astern, some in front, but for the most part striking the boat and sticking in the awning and the shelter made astern.
“Any one hurt?” shouted Shaddy sternly, and receiving an answer in the negative, he muttered as he thrust the double gun he held through an opening,—
“That’s because they’re on the move and we’re on the move. If we’d been standing still, and them too, every shot would have told. Look out; they’re going to fire again. My turn first. Pull, my lads; don’t you mind me.”
As the words left his lips he fired at intervals of about a quarter of a minute both barrels of the fowling-piece; and at the flash of fire, followed by smoke curling up slowly and hiding the boat, the Indians stopped paddling and sat watching.
“That has beaten them off,” cried Rob eagerly. “Was it blank cartridge, Shaddy?”
“Yes, my lad. Next’s going to be number six if they come on after us.”