"Push her off!" I shouted, when all was ready.
I pulled at the oars, and my companions on the raft tugged at the poles. We cleared the shore, and in a few minutes the action of the current gave us a good headway.
"We are all right. We could go down to St. Louis on this craft," said Morgan.
"We could, but I think we won't," I replied. "We must be sure and not let the current carry us beyond Fish River. If we do, we can never get back again."
Fortunately the current set towards the landing-place, which was our destination, and I pulled well towards the north shore.
"Indians!" shouted Plunkett, after we had gone a short distance.
"Where are they?" I asked, unable to see them.
"Just coming out from the north shore, above the island," replied Morgan.
Standing up in the barge, so that I could see over the gun on the raft, I discovered the dugout. It contained the two Indians who had escaped from the island. They were paddling towards us with all their might; and the soldiers picked up their muskets. I could not believe that the savages intended to attack us upon the open river, after the repeated defeats they had sustained; but I was convinced of my error when they opened fire upon us. However, they did not come near enough to render their own or our fire effectual.
"Phil, didn't I see some round shot among the ammunition you brought down?" called Morgan to me.