Their present course, if persisted in, would bring them back to the lake.

The night was still dark, but their trained eyes had grown so used to it that they could see very well in the dusk.

Both were looking back and at the same time they saw a shadowy figure appear in the forest behind them.

Robert knew that it was the vanguard of the pursuit which was drawing uncomfortably close, at least for him.

A shout from the warriors was followed by a shot, and a bullet cut its way through the leaves near them.
"I think we ought to give 'em a hint that they come too close, at their peril," said Willet, and raising his own rifle he sent back an answering shot which did not go astray.