Part 32 (2/2)
”I suppose they think we shall find a canoe in that direction more likely than below,” said Tom to Desmond, ”but it won't do to turn back”
They continued along the bank in the direction their guides led theone on some hen Tom asked Nick whether he was sure they should find a canoe
”Yes, yes, sure,” was the answer
”We shall soon get back with the current,” observed Desmond ”It won't make much difference, indeed it will be sufficient if ait until dark, and then we shall run but little risk of being seen”
The two Papuans were still positive that before long they would find a canoe Casey was of the sarounded it, it was difficult to say When they stopped they could hear the ene behind theo on than to turn back At last, after a run of several ht of five canoes hauled up on the shore, and not far off several huts None of the inhabitants were visible; perhaps they had gone down to defend their shores from the expected invasion of the white ht now!” cried Desht be prudent to s chase to us”
”Let us get our own into the water first, and see about that afterwards,” said Toh for each of his party, and a couple besides, which were carried off
It took some little time to launch the canoe, which was somewhat heavy and drawn up at a distance from the water Tom seated himself aft to steer Desmond and Billy sat next to him, Casey and Peter next, and the two Papuans in the bows to use the two foremost paddles Pipes was still on shore prepared to shove off the bow of the canoe before he stepped on board, when pointing to the eastward, he exclai in that direction, saw a large body of
”Juet down the strea us more warmly than we may find pleasant”
Tom was about to turn the head of the canoe in that direction, when Desmond exclaimed--
”Look there, look there! what are those fellows about?” Three canoes full offrom behind some thick bushes out of another small river which had not before been observed They would effectually prevent the escape of the ht with those fellows before: we can get down the river,” cried Desmond, ”and they will have the assistance of their friends on shore”
While Des as best to be done, severalpaddles in their hands were seen to rush out of the huts
”Dat way, dat way!” exclai up the river
The sun was by this ti, and Tom considered that if they could keep ahead of their eneht then either find so the night and escape observation There was no time to consider the plan proposed; they must either follow it at once, or prepare for a desperate encounter
”It is the only thing to be done,” observed Des the head of the canoe up the river, told his crew to paddle away for their lives They had scarcely got good way on the canoe, before the an to launch theirs More natives appeared, and in two or three minutes the whole of the native fleet was in the water
”They don't appear to have firearot bows and arrows,”
said Tolish boat, the whole fleet should not ht quickly capsize this canoe and have us in their power I fear that more than their arms Paddle, paddle, lads!” he shouted
His crew did paddle, probably harder than they had ever done in their lives Poor Billy exerted hi,” as Deser they were in, he a on them at all events,” said Toher up the river, we shall distance theood chance of getting clear”
The river continued broad, and as the current was not very strong, the canoe ood headway They kept in the centre, to run no risk of being attacked by the natives on the shore Here and there a the trees huts were seen, but the inhabitants either did not perceive theh they saw several canoes drawn up on the banks, no attempt wastheir efforts for an instant until sunset, when the shades of night quickly crept over the scene Too further fro out for some creek or bay, shaded by trees, where they could reer watching the river, and they ht steal down unobserved No such spot, however, could they discover, and when at last wearied by their exertions they stopped paddling, they heard the shrieks of their pursuers in the distance
”They have not given up the chase yet,” observed Des us shows that they fear we may escape them by some other way Perhaps we may find a branch with another outlet to the sea”
”Oh, do let us paddle on,” cried Billy ”I don't like the thoughts of being caught and eaten by the savages”