is surprised Nasmyth because he could not doubt that the man
was Gladwyne and he failed to understand his object in making what would
probably be a futile attempt to avoid them. Lisle was some distance in
front, and his voice rang out sharply:

"Head him off from the canoe!"

Nasmyth broke into a stumbling run--it was now obvious that Gladwyne
meant to cross the river, and perhaps destroy the second cache.

Gladwyne had reached the canoe when Lisle gained the beach, and Nasmyth,
descending in reckless haste, saw him hurriedly turn it over and raise
the forward end of it. Lisle was running his hardest, almost as if he
were fresh, up the long strip of shingle; but it was evident that he
would be too late, and they would have no means of following Gladwyne
after the canoe was launched. There was a sharp rattle of stones as he
hauled it down; Lisle was still some way behind; Gladwyne sprang on board
and thrust the light craft off, and a few strokes of the paddle drove her
well out into the stream.

Lisle stopped, standing in the moonlight, and his comrade could see his
hands tightly clenched at his side; then he suddenly tore off his jacket
and flung it behind him. Noticing this, Nasmyth attempted to increase his
pace. The river was running fast, swollen with melted snow, and Lisle
must be badly worn out. If he had to be restrained by force, he should
not attempt to swim across.

Then, to Nasmyth's astonishment, Gladwyne leaned over the stern of the
craft and began to paddle desperately with one hand. This proceeding
caused Lisle to stop again, close at the water's edge.

"Come back!" he shouted.

Nasmyth ran up and Lisle turned.

"He's dropped or broken his paddle--cracked it when he shoved her out.
There are two or three ugly rocks in the rapid."

They ran along the bank together, keeping pace with the craft which was
sliding away fast with the stream. Nasmyth could feel his heart thumping
as he wondered what Clarence would do. Though he could not cross the
river, it was possible that he might propel the light canoe back to the
shingle with his hand before he reached the rapid. As he could not guide
her in the strong rush of water, there would be danger in attempting to
descend it. He made no response, however, to their warning shouts.

Batley and Crestwick overtook the others shortly before the canoe swept
into the faster stream at the head of the rapid and they watched her
eagerly. There was a narrow pass bet