They had not gone much further when frightful whoops and yells burst forth from each side of the river, and several hundred Indians appeared on either bank.
Signs were made to the unfortunate trappers to come on shore.

They were obliged to comply.

Before they could get out of their canoe, a savage seized the rifle belonging to Potts.

Colter sprang on shore, wrestled the weapon from the hands of the Indian, and restored it to his companion, who was still in the canoe, and immediately pushed into the stream.

There was the sharp twang of a bow, and Potts cried out that he was wounded.