These prowling savages were apparently unaware of my predicament; their sole thought was with the boat floating away lakeward down the stream.

At all cost, they must be blocked in any purpose of pursuit.

These were the thoughts that darted through my brain like fire through stubble.

How many opposed me, how desperate would be the struggle, were matters of which I did not stop to think.

I could at least busy them until the fugitives were safe; after that, it was God's affair, and theirs.