“It can not be that the scout has been—”
“Hist! Do not even mention that—it is too horrible for thought! Heaven only knows what our position would be, should harm come to him.”
Charles moved back to his former position, a few yards in the rear of his brother, to keep watch that no foe should steal upon them from that direction. The mind of each was filled with the most stirring apprehensions, and every moment they really expected to see their murderous foes stealing upon them, or hear their horrid yells.
Some minutes passed, when Alfred fancied he saw something move above them. His heart gave a great bound of joy, as he thought that the scout might be coming, and then a thrill of excitement passed over his frame, as he reflected that it might be their savage foes. He listened intently. This time the regular “dip” of paddles gave assurance that something of life was within the canoe. Signaling his brother, they silently awaited the approach of the floating object. They were not long in suspense.
The boat was quite near the shore, and heading directly toward the point upon which they stood. As it came nearer they could discern an upright figure, guiding it toward the land. In another moment it grated upon the sand, and David sprung out.
“Give me my tools,” he hastily exclaimed. “There’s not a minnit tew lose. I sarcumvented the devils, but they’re arter me; so be lively.”
He grasped his weapons as he spoke, and in another moment the three were seated in the boat. One vigorous push and it was afloat upon the dark waters.
“Lay her straight acrost the river,” exclaimed David, the Markleys having taken the oars to allow the taxed muscles of the scout to relax.
“Seems I didn’t git much start on ’em,” he added, “for they set up a yellin’ an’ started arter me with another boat. They gi’n me a race down the river, but that don’t matter—they can’t overhaul us!”
Bending his head over the side of the canoe, he listened intently. Suddenly he started up with energy.