Sam was not more than two boat lengths from the island when he started, and there would be several moments in which to arrange for a defense before the man could land.
Jim was overhauling the cooked provisions preparatory to feeding the prisoners when his comrade burst into the encampment looking quite as excited as he felt.
"Sam must have come to the conclusion that those who hit him last night were not officers of the law, for he went back to the island, and now is heading straight for this place."
"What?" Jim cried, sharply, as he leaped to his feet, dropping a handful of fried fish.
"Now, don't get excited, and, above all, keep quiet. It isn't dead certain he has any suspicion there is a camp here; but we must be prepared for the worst."
"What are you goin' to do?" Jim asked in a voice trembling with fear.
"Fight him off if he tries to come inside this thicket. It will be strange if two of us, well armed and under cover, can't hold our own against one man."
"But how is it to end? He may keep us shut up here till the provisions are all gone."
"There is no need to look so far ahead. Get your gun and come with me."
Jim obeyed very unwillingly.