and that, at any
moment, a conflict might begin. The canoe that had come out last had
shaped its course so as to pass close to those fishing outside them,
and a few words had been exchanged with the occupants of each--a
warning, no doubt, as to the suspicious character of the fishing party
near them. Beyond this, nothing had happened. The Indians in the canoe
had let down their lines, and seemed as intent as the others upon their
fishing.

The hours passed slowly. Under other circumstances, James would have
enjoyed the sport, for the fish bit freely, and a considerable number
were soon lying in the canoe. Nat and Jonathan appeared as interested
in their work as if no other boat, but their own, were afloat on the
lake. Never once did James see them glance towards the canoes. They did
not talk much, but when they spoke, it was always in the Indian tongue.

The time seemed endless, before the sun began to sink beyond the low
hills on their left. It was an intense relief, to James, when Nat said
at last:

"The time is just at hand now, cap. The redskins are tired of waiting.
At least, they think that they had better not put it off any longer.
They know, as well as we do, that it won't do to wait till it gets
dark.

"Do you see that canoe, that came out last, is paddling down towards
us? It looks as if it were drifting, but I have seen them dip a paddle
in, several times. The others are pulling up their lines, so as to be
in readiness to join in. Get your piece ready to pick up, and aim the
moment I give the word. They think they are going to surprise us, but
we must be first with them. Go on with your fishing, and just drop your
line overboard, when you pick up your gun."

The canoe approached slowly, until it was within thirty yards. James
and his companions went on with their fishing, as if they did not
notice the approach of the other canoe, until one of the Indians spoke.

"Have my Indian brothers caught many fish?"

"A goodish few," Nat replied. "One or two of them are large ones.

"See here," and he stooped as if to select a large fish.

"Now," he said suddenly.

In an instant, the three rifles were levelled to the shoulder, and
pointed at the Indians. The latter, taken completely by surprise, and
finding themselves with three barrels levelled at them, as by one
accord dived overboard.

"Now your paddles," Nat exclaimed.

Three strokes sent the canoe dancing up to that which the Indians had
just left.