Henry laughed aloud when
he saw. The Viking rage was still upon him. This was the
primeval wilderness, and these were no common foes.
"I see that you don't want to receive our little messengers," he
cried. "Why have you dropped back to third place in the line,
Braxton Wyatt and Walter Butler, when you were first only a
moment ago? Are you cowards as well as murderers of women and
children?"
"That's pow'ful good talk," said Shif'less Sol admiringly.
"Henry, you're a real orator. Give it to 'em, an' mebbe I'll get
a chance at one o' them renegades."
It seemed that Henry's words had an effect, because the boat of
the renegades pulled up somewhat, although it did not regain
first place. Thus the chase proceeded down the Susquehanna.
The Indian fleet was gaining a little, and Shif'less Sol called
Henry's attention to it.
"Don't you think I'd better take a shot at one o' them rowers in
the first boat?" he said to Henry. "Wyatt an' Butler are a
leetle too fur away."
"I think it would give them a good hint, Sol!" said Henry. "Take
that fellow on the right who is pulling so hard."
The shiftless one raised his rifle, lingered but a little over
his aim, and pulled the trigger.
Pages:
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306