We were too near the rapid to paddle back, for in turning round we should have run the risk of upsetting the canoe, when it would have been carried down sideways, and probably dashed to pieces.  Our only safe course, therefore, was to dash forward; and we hoped to pass the Indian before he could perceive us, or have time to fix another arrow in his bow.  Had we been in still water I might have lifted my rifle and shot the Indian, but I dared not leave my paddle for a moment.  Down the rapid we dashed, then, paddling with might and main to turn the canoe so as to be ready for the next descent.  The Indian had disappeared, but we heard his voice, calling, as we supposed, to his companions,--and directly afterwards we caught sight of him running along the bank among the trees; but he could not have seen us.