Tom had no doubt whatever of his ability to carry out this nicely-arranged programme. Paul was a stout fellow, and events at the point and elsewhere proved that he had plenty of pluck, and that he hit hard. But if he took him behind, what could Paul do? What could any fellow do, under such unfavorable circumstances? The blunder of the six ruffians, in Tom's estimation, was in attacking him in front instead of in the rear.
The cunning bruiser was ready to execute the plan his busy brain had contrived, and he was a little nervous and uneasy, as before noted. He did not take the least interest in the movements of the steamer, though he was rather pleased to find Paul so much absorbed in anything that kept his mind occupied.
"You git in fust, as I'm go'n to row the rest of the way," said Tom, as he took the oars from the boat, the blades of which were projecting over the bow.
"I am not quite ready to go yet; I have to go over after something I left in the hollow of a tree," replied Paul, as he turned away from the boat.
"In the holler of a tree!" exclaimed Tom.
"That's what I said," added Paul. "It is a tin box containing a little money and a couple of gold rings. It won't take me long to get them."
"How fur off is it?" asked the bruiser, much interested when he heard there was money in the box, for he was sure to get it.
Paul said it was up in the hollow, and started off.