The bowman having halted, stood a moment with his piercing black eyes
fixed on the nearest white man, as if seeking to read in his face the
meaning of his action or rather abrupt cessation of action.

"Professor," called Jared, "I'll attend to the one in front of you; but
look out for the scamp among the trees."

Grimcke was relieved to hear this, and had there been only the two
natives to confront, he would have been disturbed by no misgiving, but
there were signs that the third one down the stream was preparing to do
his part in the treacherous business. He too began advancing, but
instead of doing so with the quick, angry stride of the New Englander,
he stepped slowly and softly, as if seeking to conceal his movement.

Grimcke would have been glad to turn the archer over to the care of
Long, but he was so frightfully close, that he did not dare do so. A
moment's delay on the part of his friend would be fatal. At the same
time, it was not to be forgotten that the most stealthy foe of all was
prowling among the trees on the right.

The Professor's hope, as has been explained, was that his own
retrogression had disconcerted the plans of this special miscreant for
whom, however, he kept a keen watch.

The archer still held his bow, with the arrow in place grasped by his
right hand, the long weapon resting against his hip. Provided he was
right-handed, the bow would have to be shifted to his left hand, the
arrow drawn back with the right and the missile then launched at his
foe. This, it would seem, involved enough action to give both Grimcke
and Long abundance of time in which to anticipate him.