But the canoe was at the moment at the head of some swift rapids.
The next moment it was racing down them, and turning a bend in the stream, vanished from view.
Frank had not time to draw another bead before it was out of sight, and when it reached the lower level and came into view again it was out of range.
Barney came along now and shouted:
“Be jabers, yez did well, Misther Frank. That was a beautiful shot. There’s only three av ther red divils left.”
This was true, but the three savages seemed likely to elude their pursuers after all.
The canoe was racing down the stream, and fast nearing a defile in the hills.
If it should enter this, there was little doubt but that the fugitives would make their escape.
Frank and Barney saw this in the same moment.
“Begorra, Mother Frank, we must cut the divils off!” cried the Celt.