Page:Edward Ellis--Seth Jones.djvu/51

48 and Graham breathed hard, for a wild hope filled the heart of each; but as the canoe came abreast of them, while hey could plainly distinguish the features of the three savages, they could not gain a glimpse of the fourth person. She was covered by an Indian shawl, and her head was bowed low upon her bosom, as though in deep and painful thought.

"Let us fire and send these three dogs to eternity," whispered Graham.

Haldidge raised his hand.

"'Twon't do, there may be others about, and if that other one is Ina, it may only be the means of her destruction. Alf, do you think that is her?"

"I can't tell—yes, by heaven, 'tis her! Look! she has moved her shawl. Let us rescue her at once!" exclaimed the father, rising, and about to start.

"Hold!" imperatively and half angrily commanded Haldidge, "you will spoil all by your rashness. Don't you see it is near night? They are now below us, and we can not got them in such a range as to insure us each of them. Wait till it is darker, and we will pursue them. I have a plan which I think can not fail. Just restrain yourself a short time, and I will bring things about in a manner that will surprise them as much, as it will you."

Haverland sank clown again beside the others. The night was now fast coming on, and in a few minutes the light, birch canoe was shoved noiselessly into the water, and the three made ready for the race of life and death.