352 THE YOUNG FUR-TRADERS.

Springing upon each other, they immediately engaged in
a fierce struggle, in which poor Harry learned, when too
late, that his wounded shoulder was almost powerless.
Meanwhile, the Canadian having been assaulted by three
Indians at once, floored one at the onset, and immediately
began an impromptu war-dance round the other two, deal-
ing them occasionally a kick or a blow, which would
speedily have rendered them hors de combat, had they not
succeeded in closing upon him, when all three fell heavily
to the ground. Jacques and Charley having succeeded in
overcoming their respective opponents, immediately has-
tened to his rescue. In the meantime, Harry and his
foe had struggled to a considerable distance from the
others, gradually edging towards the river's bank. Feel-
ing faint from his wound, the former at length sank
under the weight of his powerful antagonist, who endeav-
oured to thrust him over a kind of cliff which they had
approached. He was on the point of accomplishing his
purpose, when Charley and his friends perceived Harry's
imminent danger, and rushed to the rescue. Quickly
though they ran, however, it seemed likely that they
would be too late. Harry’s head already overhung the
bank, and the Indian was endeavouring to loosen the
gripe of the young man’s hand from his throat, prepara-
tory to tossing him over, when a wild ery rang through
the forest, followed by the reports of a double-barrelled
gun, fired in quick succession. Immediately after, young
Hamilton bounded like a deer down the slope, seized the
Indian by the legs, and tossed him over the cliff, where
he turned a complete somersault in his descent, and fell
with a sounding splash into the water.

“Well done, cleverly done, lad!” cried Jacques, as he
and the rest of the party came up and crowded round
Harry, who lay in a state of partial stupor on the bank.

At this moment Redfeather hastily but silently ap-