“The temptation to go fast is very strong,” said Robert.  “You feel then that you’re really dodging bullets.”

Tayoga was looking far ahead toward a point where the stream became much narrower and both banks were densely wooded, as usual.

“If Tandakora really means to ambush us,” he said, “he will be there, because it offers the best opportunity, and it is a place that the heart of a murderer would love.  Suppose that Dagaeoga and I paddle, and that the Great Bear rests with his rifle across his knees ready to fire at the first flash.  We know what a wonderful marksman the Great Bear is, and it may be Tandakora who will fall.”

“The plan, like most of yours, is good, Tayoga,” said Willet.  “The Lord has given me some skill with the rifle, and I have improved it with diligent practice.  I think I can watch both sides of the stream pretty well, and if the Ojibway fires I can fire back at the flash.  We’ll rely upon our speed to make his bullet miss, and anyway we must take the chance.  You lads needn’t exert yourselves until we come to the narrow part of the stream.  Then use the paddles for your lives.”

Robert found it hard to be slow, but his will took command of his muscles and he imitated the long easy strokes of Tayoga.  As the current helped much, their speed was considerable, nevertheless.  The river flowed, a silver torrent, in the clear light of the morning, a fish leaping up now and then in the waters so seldom stirred by any strange presence.  The whole scene was saturated with the beauty and the majesty of the wilderness, and to the eye that did not know it suggested only peace.  But Robert often lifted his gaze from the paddle and the river to search the green thickets on either side.  They were only casual glances, Willet being at once their sentinel and guard.

The great hunter was never more keenly alert.  His thick, powerful figure was poised evenly in the canoe, and the long-barreled rifle lay in the hollow of his arm, his hand on the lock and his finger on the trigger.  Eyes, trained by many years in the forest, searched continually among the trees for a figure that did not belong there, and, at the same time, he listened for the sound of any movement not natural to the wilderness.  He felt his full responsibility as the rifleman of the fleet of one canoe, and he accepted it.

“Lads,” he said, “we’re approaching the narrowest part of the river.  It runs straight, I can see a full mile ahead, and for all that distance it’s not more than thirty yards from shore to shore.  Now use the strength that you’ve been saving, and send the canoe forward like an arrow.  Those are grand strokes, Tayoga!  And yours too, Robert!  Now, our speed is increasing!  We fairly fly!  Good lads!  I knew you were both wonderful with the paddle, but I did not know you were such marvels!  Never mind the woods, Robert, I’m watching ’em!  Faster!  A little faster, if you can!  I think I see something moving in a thicket on our right!  Bang, there goes his rifle!  Just as I expected, his bullet hit the water twenty feet from us!  And bang goes my own rifle!  How do you like that, my good friend Tandakora?”