The Land of Mystery
e an unpreced
of the native with the spear as he slipped into the wood, the sudden advance of Jared Long, whose face became like a thunder-cloud, when every hope of a
iting for some action on the part of his comrade who had stolen into the wood. As has been stated, he was nigh enough to hurl h
yes fixed on the nearest white man, as if seeking to read in his f
nd to the one in front of you; but lo
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
, that he did not dare do so. A moment's delay on the part of his friend would be fatal. At the same time
s own retrogression had disconcerted the plans of this s
e 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 launc
event, the necessary action on his part would be much less, though sufficie
xpectation, the bow was suddenly raised, the end of the arrow dra
apids (which was much less there than below), and something was discerned moving among the trees on his right.
y the deft movements of the archer. Grimcke could not fire at both in time to save himself, but he instinctively did the very best and indeed
nd arrow whizzed over his head, without grazing him, but the arrow shot by Lon
tlesnake, he determined to crush his assa
zied leap in the air, followed in such instant succession that they seemed simul
cats in their own movements. The New Englander leveled his weapon as quickly as he could bring it
the white men had knocked the bowman out of time, and he bounded among the trees at his side, as though he, too, was
his head, he straightened up, and, still maintaining his removable postur
assed the alertness of these strange savages. The one with the javelin disappeared with the same suddenness a
dship, only to be answered with an attempt upon their lives. One of their assailants had
shoot h
defend himself. In their natural excitement over their victory, the friends forgot themselves for the moment. Heedless o
ands and knees. The wonder was how Long kept his feet; but it will be remembered that he was much more
the ground to give him a partial view for few paces in front. He had not gone far when he caugh
ns of defending himself. It was not in the nature of things, however, that Long should overtake the fugitive, who was more accustomed to making his way through
he checked his pursuit for an instant, and, br
c bound which shut him almost from sight, and rendered the hasty aim o
er until after discharging his gun. He headed toward the river, where he was first seen. It must have been that he was actuated by a desire to go to the he
ong, who was pushing furiously after him, discovered from the i
eckless speed, and, before the native could recover his weapon a
e shouted; "there's no
ht, and who he was certain was the Professor; but to his consternation, a