He was now fully satisfied that there was but one enemy with whom he had to cope.
Had there been more, the first bullet, which struck the pipe from his mouth, would have been followed by another as quickly, but perhaps more surely aimed.
With a rapid glance he surveyed the ground behind him.
It was covered with undergrowth and fallen timber.
His resolution was at once taken.
He fell flat upon the earth, and noiselessly gliding away reached a tree, distant some paces, and in an oblique direction from the one he had left.
From that spot he made his way to another, at a greater angle, and about equally distant from the second.
The movements were affected with such agile stealthiness, as to be entirely unperceived by his unseen enemy.
By the change of position he now commanded a side view of his unknown antagonist, who, unsuspicious of it, was keeping a close watch upon Carrol’s supposed shelter.
To raise his rifle to his shoulder was a natural action of the old hunter.