tion was that the Indians would
be disappointed, not only of us, but of any booty they might have
expected to obtain.

We had still the danger my father apprehended of being pursued; and at
length, looking astern, I caught sight of several canoes filled with
Indians, on which the bright flames of the burning house cast a ruddy
glare and brought them clearly into view.

That they had intended to land on the island and take the castle in the
rear I had little doubt; but finding that we had made our escape, they
resolved on capturing us. Urged by numerous paddles, they made greater
way through the water than we did. We had one advantage over them,
however, that, should they approach near, a few bullets would send them
to the bottom. They might, however, before this kill or wound many of
our party, exposed as we were, crowded together in the open boat.

Our men pulled away for their lives. I told Tim to steer close to me,
so that I might place our boat between the savages and that containing
my cousins. Unhappily our ammunition was very low. The party who had
been defending the house to the last had expended all their powder, and
Tim and I, with a few other men, had only two or three rounds a-piece.
My father, recollecting this, ordered us not to fire a shot until the
enemy came near, and then to aim rather at the canoes than the men; for
even should we not sink them, we might compel their crews to cease
paddling while they stopped the holes made by our bullets. Brave as the
Indians are on land, they are not willing in general to expose
themselves; so I was surprised at the daring way in which our pursuers
came on. They were getting, indeed, disagreeably near, and I expected
every moment to hear my father order us to fire. Of course, even when
they should come up to us, we might defend ourselves and beat them off,
and our strongly-built boats would then give us an advantage over their
light canoes. Still the struggle would be a fearful one. We were
hampered by several women and the numerous articles which they had
brought.

Already the Indians had begun to fire; but their bullets fell short,
their powder probably being none of the best. In a few minutes,
however, unless we could sink their canoes, they would be up with us. I
tried the effect of one shot; but though I am sure I hit the canoe
between wind and water, the Indians in her did not cease paddling; and I
was afraid of throwing another shot away by m