He had played the actor, and the reward, the saving of their lives, had been paid.

It was one of their greatest triumphs and the savor of it would endure long.

The very thought gave fresh power to his arm and back, and he swept his paddle with a strength that he had never known before.

The canoe skimmed the water like a bird and fairly flew in their chosen course.
Robert's own faculties became marvelously acute.

He heard behind them the repeated and angry orders of Jumonville, the hurried strokes of many paddles, the splashing of canoes turned quickly about, a hum of excited voices, and then he felt a great swell of confidence.