The triumphant shout behind them rose again, and the great stream gave it
back in a weird echo. Paul suddenly uttered a gasp of despair. Directly in
front of them, not thirty yards away, was a large war canoe, crowded with
a dozen savages while behind them came the horde.
"What is it, Paul?" asked Henry.
"A big canoe in front of us full of warriors. We're cut off! No, we're
not! I have it! Bend low! bend low, you fellows, and pull with all the
might that's in you!"
Paul had an inspiration, and his blood was leaping. The rifle shots still
rattled behind them, but, as usual, the bullets buried themselves in the
wood with a sigh, doing no harm. Four pairs of powerful arms and four
powerful shoulders bent suddenly to their task with new strength and
vigor. Paul's words had been electric, thrilling, and every one felt their
impulse instantly. The prow of the heavy boat cut swiftly through the
water, and Paul bent still lower to escape the rifle-shots. No need for
him to choose his course now! The boat was already sent upon its errand.
A wild shout of alarm rose from the war canoe, and the next instant the
prow of "The Galleon" struck it squarely in the middle. There were more
shouts of alarm or pain, a crunching, ripping and breaking of wood, and
then "The Galleon," after its momentary check, went on.
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