A COLLISION.
Although the two physicians were deeply interested in the question of
toxicology they could not forget their situation and its perils. The
craft had nearly completed its half mile to the mouth of the tributary
which it was intended to ascend, when the polemen, pausing for a
moment's rest, whispered that they heard the sound of paddles again.
"_There they are_!"
It was Jack Everson who uttered the exclamation, loud enough for all to
hear. He pointed down stream as he spoke, and every one perceived the
dreaded boat returning.
Although nearer at hand than before, it seemed to be following the
course of the river, and there was hope that it would again pass
without discovering the shrinking ones so near land.
When first observed the other boat was fifty yards out and not quite so
far down stream. Moving against the current its progress was slower
than before, but its advance was plainly perceptible. The craft of the
white people had lost the momentum imparted by the poling, and was now
controlled only by the current, which was so sluggish close to the land
that the motion was hardly noticeable.
The hopes of our friends steadily rose until the other boat was almost
directly abreast. It would seem that if the occupants intended
attacking they would have veered inward before this, but there could be
no assurance so long as they remained visible.
Every one started when the gaunt, sloping figure suddenly became
upright at the prow of the boat and stood motionless. He had ceased
using the pole that he had been plying with so much vigor. At the same
moment the noise of the paddles ceased, proving that the men
controlling them had also stopped work. What could it mean?
No one of the white people stirred or whispered. Could they have done
so they would have checked the beating of their hearts through fear of
being betrayed. Surely something had awakened the suspicion of the
natives.
Suddenly some one spoke on board the craft. The voice was audible, but
the doctor, who was a master of Hindoostanee, could not catch what was
said. At the same instant a splash was heard, and the lank form bent
over, as he pressed the long pole against the bottom of the river and
resumed his slow walking toward the stern. The noise of paddles, too,
was heard again. The craft had resumed its progress, and for an
instant every one believed it was about to pass by. Then Jack Everson
said:
"By heaven! they're coming for us!"
All saw that the boat was swinging around so as to head toward them.
"Into the cabin, quick!" commanded the doctor, and the women quickly
scrambled out of sight, while the men lay down, so as to screen their
bodies as much as possible.
"It won't do to let them come too near," added the physician. "Try to
make every shot tell."
As he spoke he took the best aim he could and fired. Jack Everson was
but a moment behind him, and Anderson discharged his gun almost
simultaneously.