nd misery attacking him,
Oliver followed his companion to where some huge fragments of madrepore
coral lay a few yards from the water's edge, affording them a place
where they could hide, and, at the same time, observe what was going on
out in the lagoon, where matters were growing exciting.

"Better have come back and fought it out with us," said Drew, bitterly,
as they saw that the blacks were straining every effort to cut off the
lugger before it reached the gap in the barrier reef; while, evidently
seeing the situation of affairs, those who were in the canoe outside
were, like the occupants of the lugger, though from a different side,
rapidly approaching the opening.

"They'll cut him off before he reaches it," said Oliver, excitedly.
"Can we do anything to help him?"

"No, nothing, we are too far-off," said Drew, sadly. "How could he be
so foolish?"

"And why don't he give up the helm to one of the men? Either of them
could steer; and he could throw the blacks into confusion by firing a
few shots."

But after a little show of excitement on board, Mr Rimmer stayed by the
helm; while the two canoes, from north and south, with some twenty
paddles on each side, made the blue water flash like diamonds, as they
threw it up with their spoon-shaped implements, sending their canoes
along at a tremendous rate.

"They'll cut him off, they'll cut him off," cried Oliver, excitedly.
"Oh, why don't he fire at them?"

He paused breathless, watching the exciting scene of the lugger
careening over, as she raced through the water.

"My word, she sails well," said Drew.

"Splendidly," cried Oliver. "But don't, don't talk about the boat.
Look at poor Rimmer, he stands up there as if brave as a lion. I wish I
hadn't said that about him, and yet it's true enough, he's running away
like a cur. But it's no good, my friend, they're too much for you;
they'll cut in just before you get to the opening, and be aboard of you
like a swarm of wasps. Oh, Drew! it's horrible!"

"And all our specimens, the work of months, gone."

"Hang the specimens!" cried Oliver. "I'd give a hundred times as many
to be on the lugger now with our guns. A few good shots, and we could
save him."

"Yes. Shall we fire now?"

"Pooh! Shall we throw a few handfuls of sand into the water, or two or
three stones? Look! there they go; they're going to drive their prows
right into her, one on each side, and with their length, speed, and
weight, the