"I do believe they are going to try it."
Two of the warriors started for the water, and plunged in, and the boys looked at each other in surprise.
"Ralph, do you think all of those fellows will try it?"
"No, indeed; those fellows don't like water, and if our experience in crossing the river, when they took us back with them, is any indication, they have very few who can swim."
"But the difficulty is that they can raft across."
"That is just the reason why I thought a little surprise of this kind might make them think better of it, and not try it."
"You must remember," answered Tom, "they live on this side of the river, and they are bound to get across some time."
"I know that, but their rafts are no doubt miles up the river."
It was now plain why they determined to follow up our party. Their own territory had been invaded, and this came to all of the boys with a shock. The getting of the boat was now a most hazardous operation.
They saw the two savages swim from the shore, and remained quiet until they came within thirty feet of the shore.