This demonstration produced
no other effect than to keep the Ark nearer to the scene of action,
and to enable those in her to become witnesses of the chase. The
canoe of Judith was about a quarter of a mile south of that of
the Hurons, a little nearer to the east shore, and about the same
distance to the southward of the castle as it was from the hostile
canoe, a circumstance which necessarily put the last nearly abreast
of Hutter's fortress. With the several parties thus situated the
chase commenced.
At the moment when the Hurons so suddenly changed their mode of
attack their canoe was not in the best possible racing trim. There
were but two paddles, and the third man so much extra and useless
cargo. Then the difference in weight between the sisters and the
other two men, more especially in vessels so extremely light, almost
neutralized any difference that might proceed from the greater
strength of the Hurons, and rendered the trial of speed far from
being as unequal as it might seem. Judith did not commence her
exertions until the near approach of the other canoe rendered the
object of the movement certain, and then she exhorted Hetty to aid
her with her utmost skill and strength.
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