"Yes, we must stand by them," replied his father. "See, our pursuers are gaining; you are quite sure the motor is thoroughly tuned up, I hope?"
"Running like clockwork," was Andy's enthusiastic reply.
"Good! Now, lads, it's revolvers for this business. Get the canvas off her, then. Keep well under cover; I'm going to ram the leading canoe."
The sails were quickly stowed, and the bowsprit run in. The five men, revolvers in hand, kept in the cockpit so as to be sheltered by the raised roof of the cabin.
"Now, Ellerton, how's your nerve?"
"Perfectly fit."
"Then put your helm over when I give the word and strike yonder canoe square amidships."
The pursuers had trailed out in a long, straggling line, a couple of hundred yards separating the foremost from the second.
On they came, fearlessly. Ellerton could see the foam flying from the sharp prow, the muscular backs of the straining oarsmen, and hear the steady yet rapid thud of the paddles. Now he could discern the whites of the eyes of the fierce-looking warriors who were gathering in her lofty bows.
"Make due allowance for the way she carries," cautioned Mr. McKay. "Now, hard over!"