As the two reports rang out Malbihn dropped his rifle, clutched
frantically at his breast, staggered, fell first to his knees and
then lunged upon his face. Baynes stiffened. His head flew back
spasmodically. For an instant he stood thus, and then crumpled
very gently into the bottom of the boat.
The black paddler was at a loss as to what to do. If Malbihn
really were dead he could continue on to join his fellows without
fear; but should the Swede only be wounded he would be safer
upon the far shore. Therefore he hesitated, holding the canoe in
mid stream. He had come to have considerable respect for his new
master and was not unmoved by his death. As he sat gazing at the
crumpled body in the bow of the boat he saw it move. Very feebly
the man essayed to turn over. He still lived. The black moved
forward and lifted him to a sitting position. He was standing in
front of him, his paddle in one hand, asking Baynes where he was hit
when there was another shot from shore and the Negro pitched head
long overboard, his paddle still clutched in his dead fingers--shot
through the forehead.
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