This
they launched on the surface of the lake; then embarked on it,
placing their spears by their sides and taking up, instead, two
broad, short oars. With these they began to paddle their perilous
craft toward the center of the lake with short, careful strokes.
About a hundred feet from the shore they ceased paddling and
exchanged the oars for their spears, and stood motionless and
silent, waiting, apparently, for nothing.
I, also, remained motionless, watching them in dull curiosity.
There was little danger of being seen; for, aside from the
darkness of my corner, which probably would have been no
hindrance to them, a projecting ledge partly screened my body
from view.
The wait was not a long one, and when it ended things happened
with so startling a suddenness that I scarcely grasped the
details.
There was a loud splash in the water like that I had heard
before, a swift ripple on the surface of the lake, and
simultaneously the two Indians lunged with their spears, which
flew to their mark with deadly accuracy. I had not before noticed
the thongs, one end of which was fastened to the shaft of the
spear and the other about the waist of the savage.
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