"But we are far enough from the shore to be safe from an attack," declared the other lad, joyfully; "and moving further out in the stream every second, now that they've got the big sweeps to working. Let the Indians come, for all I care. They will be sorry if they try to swim out to us, with that fine moon shining. Why, we could see their heads easily, and hit them every time." Sandy might have gone on talking in this boastful strain, only that his words were deadened by a chorus of angry yells that broke out all along the shore. It was as though the savage enemy had been creeping forward in a long semi-circle, meaning to close in on the tied-up flatboat, and render escape impossible. And now, on discovering that those they had expected to make their victims were really beyond their reach, they gave vent to this expression of their furious rage. And women shuddered, while children held their very breath in fear, when they, for the first time on the voyage, heard the savage outburst that told of red-skinned foes lurking within the depths of the primitive forest, eager to wipe out every member of that brave little expedition. CHAPTER XIV A TARGET FOR ARROWS AND BULLETS "LIE down, everybody!" It was the voice of Mr. Armstrong that uttered these words; and hardly had the men who manned the sweeps and poles thrown themselves flat, than there came flashes of flame from the border of the trees, accompanied by the crash of firearms and the thud of striking bullets in the stout bulwark, behind which they had sought shelter. Other missiles splashed in the water, falling short, or passing beyond the boat. Arrows also struck the cabin, to remain imbedded there as evidence of the muscular arms that sent them aboard. But there was a way of working the sweeps from behind shelter; and so, by slow degrees, the imperilled pioneers were carried further and further from the shore. No one fired back. In the first place, they saw but little of the Indians, who held the marksmanship of the borderers in too high respect to risk showing themselves needlessly. And then, besides, ammunition was too precious and costly a commodity to waste, unless the necessity seemed great. Gradually the firing from the shore slackened, and finally died away altogether, as did also the cries of bitter rage and disappointment. Only for the warning of Blue Jacket the little company might have met with disaster thus early in their adventurous voyage. There were no longer heard murmurings because they had been compelled to make this hasty departure from so comfortable a resting-place. Indeed, every one was grateful to the young Shawanee, because of what he had done.