the space of time must have been short as that taken up
by the flashing of lightning; but all the same, the time seemed
prolonged to me sufficiently for me to see that the owner of that arm
was half concealed behind the tree; that the hand belonging to that arm
held one of the keen little axes used by the Indians; that the blow was
intended for my head; and I knew that before I could utter a word to
alarm my companion, all would be over.

A good deal to think in that moment of time, but people do see and think
a great deal instantaneously, just as they have quite long dreams in a
few instants of time; and as I tell you, I thought all that as I saw the
raised axe, and I could not stir, though it was in motion to strike me
down.

A loud report set me free, the sound of a shot from the forest, and the
Indian sprang forward between me and Morgan, turned half round, struck
at the air with his tomahawk, then twisted back so that I had a full
view of his hideous, distorted face, and then it was hidden from me, for
the little axe escaped from his hand, and he fell clutching and tearing
at the grass and leaves.

By this time Morgan and I had seized the fire-locks we had stood against
the trunk of the tree, and stooped down to shelter ourselves with its
trunk, as we presented the barrels at where we heard some one crashing
through the bushes. But it was Han.

"Mass' George not hurt?"

"No, no," I said. "Did you fire?"

He nodded shortly, and gave me the piece to reload as he picked up the
axe the Indian had let fall, and took the savage's knife from his belt
to stick it in his own.

"If there's one Indian there's more," said Morgan, excitedly. "Quick,
sir, ram the bullet well down. We must make for the boat. Where's that
boy Pomp?"

"No," said Hannibal, shaking his head; "gone, gone. Han look for him;
saw Indian and Mass' George."

"And you fired and saved my life," I cried, catching his hand, as I gave
him back the reloaded piece.

He smiled at me, and shook his head sadly as I exclaimed--

"Now then to find Pomp, and get back to the boat."

I had hardly uttered the words when there was a yell, and four savages
dashed out of the forest toward us, knife in one hand, axe in the other.
They were not twenty yards away, and I raised my heavy piece to my
shoulder as I saw Morgan let his barrel fall into one hand and fire.

A hideous yell followed, and one of the Indians leaped in the air. I
saw no more for the