a few steps up the slope, and then fell headlong.

"That was a pretty good shot," Harold said. "Your father told me,
when I saw a stag's horns above a bush, to fire about two feet behind
them and eighteen inches lower. I fired a foot below the flash, and I
expect I hit him through the body. I had the sight at three hundred
yards and fired a little above it. Now, Nelly, paddle out again.
See!" he said, "there is a shawl waving from the top of the tower.
Put your hat on the paddle and wave it."

"What are you thinking of doing, Harold?" the girl asked presently.

"That is just what I have been asking myself for the last ten
minutes," Harold replied. "It is quite clear that as long as the
siege is kept up we cannot get back again, and there is no saying how
long it may last. The first thing is, what chance is there of their
pursuing us? Are there any other canoes on the lake within a short
distance?"

"They have one at Braithwaite's," the girl said, "four miles off; but
look, there is Pearson's canoe lying by the shore."

"So there is!" Harold exclaimed. "I never thought of that. I expect
the Indians have not noticed it. The bank is rather high where it is
lying. They are sure to find it, sooner or later. I think, Nelly, the
best plan would be to paddle back again so as to be within the range
of my rifle while still beyond the reach of theirs. I think I can
keep them from using the boat until it is dark."

"But after it is dark, Harold?"