life, and that he strained at his
paddle with a degree of energy that made him, perhaps, more than equal
to many an average man. So that the canoe forged well ahead of the
pursuers and finally got to a part of the river where three islets
divided it into several channels, rendering further pursuit in the dark
useless if not impossible.

Their comrades, however, were not so fortunate. Left behind by the
sudden spurt of his leader, Davidson and his companion exerted
themselves to overtake him, but the canoes of the enemy, which were just
too late to cut off the retreat of Okematan, were in time to intercept
the second canoe. In this emergency Dan swerved aside, hoping to get to
the bank before the Saulteaux could discover his exact whereabouts. His
intentions were thwarted by the want of caution in his companion.

"Iss it to the land ye are going?" asked Fergus.

"Yes--it's our only chance," whispered Dan.

"It iss my opeenion--" murmured the Highlander.

"Hush!" ejaculated Dan.

But the caution came too late. A listening Red-skin overheard the
sounds, and, with a sudden dash was alongside of them. He did not,
however, know the vigour of the men with whom he had to deal. While he
was in the very midst of a triumphant war-whoop, Dan cut him over the
head with the paddle so violently that the instrument became splinters,
and the whoop ceased abruptly. At the same time Fergus caught hold of
the bow of the enemy's canoe with an iron grasp, and, giving it a heave
that might have put Samson to shame, fairly overturned it.

"Ye can wet your whustle now--whatever," he muttered.

As he spoke, the canoe ran with extreme violence against the invisible
bank. At the same moment a random volley was fired from the canoes in
rear. Fear lest they should wound or kill a comrade probably caused
them to send the whizzing bullets rather high, but for one instant the
flame revealed the position of the fugitives, and those who had reserved
their fire took better aim.

"Take to the bush, Fergus!" cried Dan, as he grasped his gun and leaped
into the shallow water.

The Highlander stooped to lay hold of his weapon, which lay in the bow
of the canoe, just as another volley was fired. The act was the means
of saving his life, for at least half-a-dozen bullets whizzed close over
his head. Before he could recover himself a strong hand grasped his
neck and flung him backwards. Probably a desperate hand-to-hand fight
would have