GEORGE RECONNOITRES


Splash through the water rushed the French soldiers in full chase.
Already they were beginning to cheer, for the leading man had all but
grabbed the boat, and the prisoner was as good as retaken. George
looked down for something with which to strike, for he did not intend
to submit without a struggle, but there was no oar on board. There had
been a small boat-hook, but that he had left sticking in the sand when
he gave his lusty shove off. The pursuer, up to his neck in water,
seized the boat, and for a moment his chin rested on the side. But the
next instant the lad had kicked out with the clumsy wooden shoes he
wore, and the soldier fell back half stunned into the sea. The rest of
the fellows instantly raised their guns, but George did not wince; he
perceived what they in their wild scamper after him had not noticed,
that they had dragged their muskets through the water, and for the
time had rendered the weapons useless. The boy laughed in spite of his
predicament, as he hastily ran up the little sail.

The breeze at once caught the canvas, and the bark moved briskly away.
But two of the soldiers, who had not entered the sea, hastily
reloading--they had not done so hitherto, after the recent
discharges--levelled their pieces at the retreating prisoner. George
flung himself to the bottom of the boat as he saw the move, and the
bullets whistled harmlessly overhead. Springing up again, he perceived
that he was now beyond range, and with a shout of joy he waved his cap
triumphantly. The whole escape had been planned and successfully
carried out in the space of five minutes. He was free!