Sudden fear assailed them in the darkness, that it would escape and with it the three who had eluded them so often, and whom they wanted most to take.

Tandakora spoke sharply to the paddlers, who bent to their task with increased energy.

The long canoe leaped forward, and with it the others.
"Manitou has stretched forth his hand once more, and he has stretched it between our enemies and us," said Tayoga, in a voice of deep emotion.
"It's so, lad," said the hunter, his own voice shaking a little.

"I truly believe you're right when you say that as the bird was sent to save Robert so a good spirit was put into the canoe to save us all.
Who am I and who is anybody to question the religion and beliefs of another man ?" "Nor will I question them," said Robert, with emphasis.
They were stalwart men in the Indian fleet, skilled and enduring with the paddle, and the fugitive canoe danced before them, a will o' the wisp that they must pursue without rest.

Their own canoes leaped forward, and, as the arrow into which they were formed shot past the island, the three hidden in its heart drew the deep, long breaths of those who have suddenly passed from death to life.
"We won't stop 'em!" said Robert in a whimsical tone.