In a few minutes it would all be gone.

Out of the mists behind them rose the shapes of war canoes not far away, and the fierce triumphant yell that swept far over the river sent a chill to Paul's very marrow.

Once again rose the rifle fire, and it was now a rapid and steady crackle, but the bullets thudded in vain on the thick sides of "The Galleon." All except Paul now pulled desperately for the middle of the stream, while he, bending as low as he could, still kept a steady hand on the tiller.
The triumphant shout behind them rose again, and the great stream gave it back in a weird echo.

Paul suddenly uttered a gasp of despair.

Directly in front of them, not thirty yards away, was a large war canoe, crowded with a dozen savages while behind them came the horde.
"What is it, Paul ?" asked Henry.
"A big canoe in front of us full of warriors.