"They will never let themselves be taken," said Raiden, who kept turning his head to look, as he rowed.
In fact, the light canoe flew over the waves, while the heavier long-boats, loaded down with men, moved very slowly.
"The junk is sinking! the junk is sinking!" shouted Loo, clapping his hands.
In truth the last vessel remaining above the surface sank slowly; then with one impulse disappeared.
"Victory! Victory!" cried the sailors and the Prince.
"Victory!" was the answering cry from the hotly pursued canoe, which came nearer and nearer.
The three boats were soon side by side.
"Let them chase us," said the Prince; "and do not move too quickly to deprive them of all hope of catching us."
A few shots were fired; several soldiers fell, and were immediately thrown overboard, to lighten the boats. An arrow struck Raiden in the shoulder; but its force was spent; it merely pricked him, and fell into the canoe.
"That was well aimed," said Raiden.