For reply the girl raised her musket on the crutch-like rest which was used in those days, took careful aim, and pulled the trigger.
It was possible to see the bullet as it struck the moonlit water, hardly more than three paces in advance of the canoe, with its freight of painted terrors, and instantly the Indians ceased paddling, thus proving that they had no intention of coming within range until their comrades from the other craft were in position to prosecute their murderous work. [5]
"There is little sense in our staying here," Mark said, bitterly. "Those scoundrels don't intend to give us any show at them, and we are foolish if we remain. Yonder canoe put off boldly only to keep us occupied until the others could make a landing."
"Are we to go back?" Susan asked, striving to prevent a tremor of fear from being perceptible in her voice.
"Ay, it is high time. You start on ahead, and I'll call Luke."
"I shall walk by your side," the girl said, stoutly. "We will share the danger equally, as you promised."
"You are a good girl, Sue; just the kind that will do a full half of the work of defending the island," and Mark kissed her on the cheek more tenderly than he had ever done before, as one would who was whispering a final good-bye.
"Close in, Luke; we must get back to the house; there's no show of our being able to do anything here," Mark cried to his brother, as he set the example by leading Susan in the direction of the stockade. [6]
The canoe came forward more swiftly as the little party of children retreated; but it could be seen that its occupants did not count on approaching within range, and Mark hastened his brother's movements by shouting:
"Run for it, lad! We must be in position behind the fence when the brutes first come within view!"