Jet was wholly at a loss to know what course should be pursued.
Sam was not charged with a capital crime, and Harvey never intimated that he cared to take him prisoner, therefore to shoot now, save actually in self-defense, would be little less than murder.
Sam emptied the chambers of his weapon while retreating toward the boat, and that he had reloaded before reaching her was told by the second volley which he sent in the direction of Jet.
By the grating of wood and sand the amateur detective knew the boat was being pushed off from the shore, and at that moment he could have fired with a very good chance of hitting the mark; but he refrained from doing so.
The most important thing just now was to assure the safety of the prisoners in the other camp, and he made his way across the island hurriedly, lest by accident Sam should happen to stumble across his comrades.
Neither Jim nor the boat were to be seen when he arrived at the clump of trees where the craft had been moored.
The small guide had thought only of his own safety, and paid no attention to what might happen to his friend.
Jet would have tried to summon him by whistling, but for the fear Sam might hear the signal and come that way.
It was possible to swim across the intervening space; but it would be at the cost of wetting both weapons, and he decided against the idea almost before it took form in his mind.
He splashed the water gently, hoping Jim would believe it a signal to come back.