ht have lifted my rifle and shot
the Indian, but I dared not leave my paddle for a moment. Down the
rapid we dashed, then, paddling with might and main to turn the canoe so
as to be ready for the next descent. The Indian had disappeared, but we
heard his voice, calling, as we supposed, to his companions,--and
directly afterwards we caught sight of him running along the bank among
the trees; but he could not have seen us.

A short way below this was another and still more dangerous rapid.
Kakaik signified that he had often shot it, but he at the same time
advised that we should land and make a portage. To do this was now,
however, out of the question, as we should be seized by the Indians on
shore did we land on the side on which they were; the only practicable
one along which we could make our way.

"Paddle, Mike! paddle!" I said in a low voice, fearing that I might be
heard should I shout. "Our only chance is to dash down the rapid. We
cannot stop to look out for rocks ahead, and must run all risks."

Mike saw this as well as I did. "Sure, it's the only thing to be done,
any way. May all the saints in the calendar help us!" he exclaimed.

I don't think, however, that Mike had much faith in the saints, although
he uttered the expression.

We dashed on, the water hissing and bubbling and foaming round us, and
had almost reached the bottom, when I felt the bow of the canoe strike
something. The next instant I found myself struggling in the seething
waters, and instinctively striking out for dear life. Looking down the
stream, I caught a glance of the canoe being rapidly hurried downwards,
with Mike clinging to it. The next moment, he and the canoe had
disappeared.

I had been carried down some distance, when, on more perfectly
recovering my senses, I discovered that I was happily near the side
opposite to that on which I had seen the Indians. I scrambled up on the
bank, therefore, hoping to find some place of concealment before they
could discover me. I had not gone far, however, before I recollected
that my footprints would certainly betray me. I therefore retraced my
steps and threw myself backwards into the water; and as I looked up
towards the bank, I clearly perceived the marks I had left.

The river in this place was narrow, but though the current ran strong it
was smooth, and I felt sure that I could swim across it and hide myself
among some thick bushes which I saw growing over the water. It