"Perhaps I can destroy as much valuable property as you can," said Dan, as he took his fowling piece again.
"You must come with me. I know that nigger in the boat with you, and I reckon you belong to Colonel Raybone."
"I, you villain! How dare you insult me? I am a free white man."
"Perhaps you be, but you've been advertised enough to let any man in these yere parts know you. That nigger belongs to my neighbor. If you've a mind to come in quietly, I'll see you let off without any whippin."
"I have no mind to come in, either quietly or otherwise," replied Dan.
"Then the wust's your own;" and Longworth fired.
The ball whistled within a few feet of Dan's head; but, unterrified by the peril, he raised his gun and fired.
"I'm hit!" groaned Longworth, as he sank down into the boat.
The other man in the boat with Longworth took the gun, loaded it, and fired. At that moment Dan had stooped down to pick up his shot-pouch, and Quin being the more prominent party in the bateau, the other man fired at him.
"De Lo'd sabe me!" groaned Quin, as he placed both hands on his chest.