“Not yet, Effie--look yonder!” and the spy’s finger directed her to an unwelcome sight up the river. The Indians were springing into the water, and swimming toward the island! Effie turned to Mark with pallid cheek. “I left my rifle here,” he said, “and with it we’ll keep the red-skins from landing.” It was evident that his last words were uttered to reassure the girl, when he believed the odds terribly against him. He led her from the bank, and from the hollow of a decayed log drew a long-barreled rifle. Bidding Effie remain in the shadow of some poplars, the spy stepped toward the water with ready weapon. A second later a hand touched his arm. “Ef--” “Hist!” admonished the girl, with finger on lip. “What?” he ventured to whisper. “Some one’s down in the hollow, Mark. I just heard a human voice. My God! can it be Indians?” Mark Morgan uttered an ejaculation of horror. Were savages on the island, and others swiftly approaching? It was a terrible moment! CHAPTER VI. AN UNEXPECTED SHOT. “Yes, Mark, there’s some one in the hollow.” This declaration, repeated the second time, aroused Mark Morgan. He looked down the river, and beheld three feathered heads floating, as it were, on the moonlit water; and along the bank, to gain a point opposite the Cone, ran six or eight British soldiers, whose gilt buttons, and scarlet uniforms made them conspicuous marks for the ranger’s rifle. Missing St. Pierre from among them, the scout again glanced down-stream, and noted the long iron-gray hair of the old trader floating beside the heron feathers of an Ottawa chief. As we have said, the situation of the pair was extremely critical. Did they but possess a boat--the scout’s canoe, which had mysteriously disappeared, as the reader has seen--they might hope for escape, for their enemies possessed no barks, and could not pursue. In the moment of indecision, which had followed Effie’s startling announcement, perhaps precious time had been lost, which Mark Morgan, inwardly cursing his inaction, resolved to regain. Indians on the island--in the hollow! “Back into the shade of this cottonwood, girl,” cried the spy, drawing Effie from the bank. “Those voices in the hollow must be attended to. The red-skins seem to be making poor headway in the water, for which thank God! Here, stand behind this trunk; my rifle, take it, and drop the first red-man upon whom you can draw a bead. I’ve seen you shoot before, Effie. Be vigilant. I will return presently.” The brave girl smiled as she took the scout’s rifle, and threw her gaze upon the heads on the water. He gripped her hand a moment, pressed it with fervor, as he looked down into her determined face, and glided away among the young poplars. A few steps brought him to a spot that commanded a tolerable view of the hollow.