He had won a triumph, although he did not yet know that it would amount to anything.

At any rate the men could no longer glide up and down the river at their leisure looking for him to come forth from the forest.
He knew that the shots would bring the single pursuer at full speed, and, as he had saved some ounces of strength, he now ran at his utmost speed.

The river curved again and just beyond the curve it seemed shallow to him.

He plunged in at once, and waded rapidly, holding his rifle, pistols and saddlebags above his head.

He was in dread lest he receive a bullet in his back, but he made the farther shore, ran into the dense undergrowth and sank down dripping and panting.
He had made the crossing but he did not forget to be ready.