Frank and Auguste pushed the little boat into the water bow first, pointed stern resting on the shore. Auguste put his pack in the stern and the rifle and ammunition in the bow, where they were more likely to stay dry. The current pulled the bow downstream, the flat bottom grinding in the mud.
Auguste saw a flash and heard a loud boom. Something whistled through the bare branches of a bush beside him.
He leaped into the boat.
"Here. Beef and biscuit." Frank tossed a bag to Auguste, who set it on the seat beside him. Frank pushed the bateau's stern free.
"Now row for your life!"
Pulling as hard and fast as he could, Auguste steered diagonally into the Mississippi, trying to get beyond pistol range without spending all his strength fighting the current.
"Hopkins, goddamn it, I'll kill you if he gets away!"
Raoul's voice. Auguste wished he had time to load his rifle and shoot back, but if he stopped rowing they were sure to get him.
Five bright red flashes and five shots roared out one after the other from shore.
If one of those men is Eli Greenglove I'm dead for sure.