Page:Edward Ellis--Seth Jones.djvu/113

110 "To be sure I have; just feel under me and see if I hain't."

"What you going to do with him?"

"Nothing."

"Are you going to let him off? Let's pitch him overboard."

"No, you wont, Haldidge. I've two or three good reasons for not doing such a thing. In the first place, there ain't no need of it, the poor imp hasn't hurt us; and, for all I detest his whole cowardly race, I don't believe in killing them except when they've done you some injury or are trying to. The most important reason, however, is that I don't want my seat disturbed."

"He is a cussed fool to let you sit on him that way. I'd give you a toss if I was in his place that would send you overboard."

"Not if you knew what was best for you. Thunder!"

Perhaps the Indian understood the words of the hunter. At any rate, he made an attempt to carry out his suggestion, and well nigh did it, too. Just as Seth gave vent to the exclamation recorded, he pitched headlong against Haverland, knocking him over upon his back, and falling upon him. At the same instant the savage sprang overboard and swam rapidly away in the darkness.

"That's a mean trick," said Seth, as he recovered his sitting position, "I was just setting on him to keep the rain off. Jest like the ungrateful dog!"

The attention of all was now directed to the progress of the canoe. Drifting swiftly onward through the darkness, no one knowing whither, their situation began to assume a terrible form. There was no power in their hands to guide it, and should they run into any of the trees which had caught in the bottom, or upon a rock, they would be instantly swamped. But there was no help for it and each one seated and braced himself for the shock which might come at any instant.

It was while they were proceeding in this manner, that they all heard the bottom of the canoe grate over something, then tremble for a moment, and suddenly came to a stand still. The stem swung rapidly round and commenced filling.

"Overboard men, all of you! We're sinking!" commanded Haldidge.

Each sprang into the water which was not more than two