The men in the canoe were surely keen of eye, and they must be a patrol.
He sank closer to the earth and did not stir.

One of the watchers drew in his paddle and took up his rifle, while the other propelled the canoe very slowly.

It seemed that they expected something or somebody, and it suddenly occurred to him that it might be he.

He felt a little shiver of apprehension.

How could they know he was coming?
It was mysterious and alarming.
He waited for them to pass down the river and out of sight, but at the curve they turned and came back against the stream, the man with the rifle in his hand still keenly watching the western shore, where Dick lay hidden.