The probability was that the latter would take precisely the same course that we have seen the Huron take, that is, if he believed the coast clear; but as there was no certainty of this, the Miami was compelled to keep watch both up-stream and down-stream, and it was thus it happened that his back was turned to Oonomoo at the very moment he came around the edge of the rock.
The different methods by which the Miami could be disposed of occurred to the Huron with electric quickness.

To the first--that of passing over the rock and tomahawking him, there was one objection so important as to make it a fatal one.

In the bright moonlight, he would offer too fine a target to the other Miamis concealed along the bank.

Without the responsibility of his white friend's safety, Oonomoo felt it would be hardly short of suicide, for it would be affording his deadliest enemies the opportunity of capturing or killing him as they preferred.
He had but the choice of two plans: that of pressing forward and engaging the Miami, or of instantly returning to the shore, and proceeding to the Shawnee village by land.

He chose the former.
Everything depended now upon the quickness of the Huron's movements.
The Miami being compelled to watch both directions, it was certain he would turn his head in a moment, when, if Oonomoo was still in the water, his fate would be pretty certain.