rattling noise like the sound of clattering timber
was heard, and with it a sharp, shrill cry of agony, and all was hushed.

'Let's at them, boys: they can't be much above our own number. The
island is a mere rock,' cried I to my comrades.

'Who commands this party,' said the corporal--'you or I?'

'You, if you lead us against the enemy,' said I; 'but I'll take it if my
comrades will follow me. There goes another shot, lads--yes or no--now
is the time to speak.'

'We're ready,' cried three, springing forward with one impulse.

At the instant I jumped into the skiff, the others took their places,
and then come a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, and a seventh, leaving the
corporal alone on the bank.

'Come along, corporal,' cried I, 'we'll win your epaulettes for you';
but he turned away without a word; and, not waiting further, I pushed
out the skiff, and sent her skimming down the stream.

'Pull steady, boys, and silently,' said I; 'we must gain the middle of
the current, and then drop down the river without the least noise.
Once beneath the trees, we'll give them a volley, and then the bayonet.
Remember, lads, no flinching; it's as well to die here as be shot by old
Regnier to-morrow.'

The conflict on the Eslar island was now, to all seeming, at its height.
The roll of musketry was incessant, and sheets of flame, from time to
time, streaked the darkness above the river.

'Stronger and together, boys--once more--there it is--we are in the
current now; in with you, men, and look to your carbines; see that the
priming is safe; every shot soon will be worth a fusillade. Lie still
now, and wait for the word to fire.'

The spreading foliage of the nut-trees was rustling over our heads as
I spoke, and the sharp skiff, borne on the current, glided smoothly on
till her bow struck the rock. With high-beating hearts we clambered up
the little cliff, and, as we reached the top, beheld immediately beneath
us, in a slight dip of the ground, several figures around a gun, which
they were busy adjusting. I looked right and left to see that my
little party were all assembled, and without waiting for more, gave the
order--fire!

We were within pistol range, and the discharge was a deadly one. The
terror, however, was not less complete; for all who escaped death fled
from the spot, and dashing through the brushwood, made for the shallow
part of the stream, between the island and the right bank.

Our prize was a brass eight-pounde