he raging current would
have been as certain destruction as for a man to undertake to swim
unaided through the whirlpool below Niagara.

Grimcke and Long were not unwilling to torment the fellow, because of
his cowardly attempt a few minutes before, though, as has been stated,
neither intended to do him any special harm.

The affrighted native crouched down, as though seeking to draw himself
into such a narrow compass that the terrible javelin could not reach
him. Despite the proof he had seen of the power of the civilized
weapons, he held his own in greater dread.

Grimcke raised the spear, as if poising it aloft to hurl at the savage.
The latter uttered a howl of terror, and, with his head still low,
attempted to dart between the strangers. Naturally he shied as far
away as possible from the Professor, and thereby brought himself almost
close enough to touch Jared.

"That's what I want," muttered the latter, hurriedly concentrating his
strength in his good right leg, and delivering the most powerful kick
at his command.

It was well aimed and most effectively landed. The Professor was sure
he heard the "dull thud," and always insisted that the recipient was
lifted clear of the ground and propelled among the trees with an
impetus sufficient to break his neck.

"There!" exclaimed the New Englander, looking around, "I guess I'm
through!"

"I am sure that last fellow hopes so," said the Professor with a laugh,
"for it's safe to conclude he was never handled with such vigor before."

The levity which both felt over their triumphant routing of their
assailants was checked by the sight of the stark, lifeless form on the
ground, only a few paces distant.

They had the best plea in the world for shooting the fierce savage, but
the consciousness that the necessity existed and that the deed had been
done, rendered them serious and thoughtful.

There was reason for believing the other natives would watch them from
the forest, and the one who retained his javelin was likely to seek the
chance to use it again. He certainly had strong temptation to do so,
with the prospect of little risk to himself.

Besides, as the explorers followed the rapids, their uproar increased
to that extent that the savages could move freely without danger of any
noise being overheard.

The most prudent thing to do seemed for the friends to walk so briskly
as to disconcert any plan their enemies might have formed. This was
quite easy,