But Hart promptly undoubled himself, seized the paddle, and with one mighty shove sent the boat out into the lake.

Paul grasped the other paddle, and bent to the same task.

Their rifles lay at their feet.
"Bend low, Paul," said Jim Hart.

"We're still within range of the shore." Paul almost lay down in the canoe, but he never ceased to make long, frantic sweeps with the paddle, and he was glad to see the water flashing behind him.

Then he heard a great yell of rage and the crackle of rifles, and bullets spattered the surface of the lake about them.