Mary Newton awoke
with a cry at the sound of the shots, and started to rise, but
Paul pushed her down.
"We're on the Susquehanna now, Mrs. Newton," he said, " and we
are pursued. The Indians and Tories have just seen us, but don't
be afraid. The two who are watching there are the best shots in
the world."
He looked significantly at Henry and Shif'less Sol, crouching in
the stern of the boat like great warriors from some mighty past,
kings of the forest whom no one could overcome, and her courage
came back. The children, too, had awakened with frightened
cries, but she and Paul quickly soothed them, and, obedient to
commands, the four, and Mary Newton with them, lay flat upon the
bottom of the boat, which was now being sent forward rapidly by
Jim Hart and Tom. Paul took up his rifle and sat in a waiting
attitude, either to relieve one of the men at the oars or to
shoot if necessary.
The clear sun made forest and river vivid in its light. The
Indians, after their first cry, made no sound, but so powerful
were Long Jim and Tom that they were gaining but little, although
some of the boats contained six or eight rowers.
As the light grew more intense Henry made out the two white faces
in the first boat.
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