his rifle, and took a careful sight.

"Sight about the middle of his body--no higher," said Mr Pepson. "That
should find a mark."

Crash! The report of the rifle set the jungle ringing, while it
reverberated along the still surface of the river. Then came a shriek,
followed by a shout from the shore. The native who poled the boat
staggered and almost fell. Then he recovered himself, answered the
shout from the shore, and in an instant had swung the boat's head round
in that direction.

"We have him sure enough," cried Mr Pepson, for the first time showing
some trace of excitement. "He is making for the moonlit side, and
cannot escape. At least, the boat and its freight are ours again. Drop
the rifle and take to the pole."

They plunged their long poles into the water and sent the craft dancing
after the other. But quick as they were, the boat in advance seemed to
shoot across the moonlit stretch, and rapidly gained the bank. Again
there was a shout, a dark figure ran out into the river, splashing the
water loudly. Then a second followed, while the native who had been
aboard threw his pole aside and staggered ashore.

"Heavily hit," gasped Mr Pepson, for the exertion of poling was
beginning to tell upon him. "But I was right. We have the boat, and,
after all, what more do we want? Pole easily, Dick, and keep an eye on
those fellows. Ah, they seem to have run for it. We have nothing to
fear from them at least."

They pushed their craft gently into the shallows, till they were almost
beneath the trees. Then, giving one lusty push, Dick stepped over the
side and waded, dragging the boat after him. A minute later both were
ashore, and were inspecting the other craft.

"We were just in time," said Mr Pepson, in tones of the greatest
satisfaction. "Another few minutes and they would have got clear away,
and then good-bye to the expedition, for a time at any rate. Make her
fast, Dick, and keep a watch ashore."

Well was it for both of them that Dick did as he was told. Indeed, from
the moment at which he had leaped into the river and commenced to wade,
his suspicions had kept him alert with his eyes fixed upon the jungle
and bush into which the three dark figures had disappeared. And now he
was to find good cause for his wariness, for, of a sudden, as Mr Pepson
took the rope which was made fast to the bows of the runaway, and
dragged it towards the craft in which they had undertaken the pursuit,