He knew that he had missed, as he saw the water spurt up
beside the boat, but he thought that his bullet and the probability of
more might delay the pursuit. Nevertheless the man came on as boldly and
as fast as ever. If he fired a third time he could scarcely miss at such
short range.
It seemed to Harry the gift of Heaven, that a whole pack of clouds should
drift above them at that moment, deepening the obscurity and making the
pursuing boat, although it was so near, a shapeless form in the mist.
He could not see the features of the man, but he was able to discern his
large and powerful figure, and he noticed the rhythmic manner in which
his arms and shoulders worked at the oars. Obviously he had no chance to
escape him by flight, and drawing his second pistol he fired. The bullet
struck the boat but did no damage. The man came on faster than ever.
Harry took a desperate resolution, and, whirling his boat about, he
rowed it straight at his pursuer, who was now almost level with him. He
intended to ram and take his chances. His movement was so quick and
unexpected that it succeeded. The bow of his boat, helped perhaps by a
wave, struck the other with such violence that both were shattered and
sank instantly.
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