uite," said Jack, after a look at Ned's face.

"Can't hear what I say then, sir? I'm a bit afeard for him."

"Why?"

"Chap wouldn't go like this after a hole being made in his arm. I had a
bayonet through mine once, but it didn't turn me this way. Felt a bit
sick at first, but it made me feel hot and savage after."

"What do you mean?" said Jack, baring his head for a moment.

"Arrows, sir; poison."

"Ah!" ejaculated Jack in horror. "Then that's what made Doctor Instow
look so serious."

"That's it, sir. But don't you say anything. I dare say as soon as we
get aboard the doctor 'll put some of his acquy miracolus on it, and set
it right again. My word, they're having a good round with the niggers.
I do wish we were aboard in the fun. I don't like this running away."

The bottom of the forest slope at last, and now an open park-like
stretch lay between them and the patch of jungle which ran down to where
they had left the boat. But upon this being neared they could see no
sign of her.

Jack put a whistle to his lips and blew shrilly, but there was no sign
still, and his heart sank as they hurried on across the open part toward
the cover; and none too soon, for the party of blacks which had been
following them from where the first attack was made suddenly appeared at
the edge of the forest they had just left, and arrow after arrow came
whizzing by to stick in the shrubs and dense grass around.

"Don't stop to fire till we are in cover," cried the doctor, and they
kept on till they were once more hidden by the low jungle scrub, when at
the doctor's order four shots were fired amongst the trees from whence
the arrows kept coming.

These had their effect, and the missiles ceased falling, but a dark
figure appeared from time to time, and it was evident that the enemy
were running from cover to cover, so as to try and cut them off from the
shore.

Just, however, as this danger was growing imminent, there was a loud
hail from the part of the lagoon hidden from them by the low scrub.
"Here they are, sir," cried Lenny. "Then now for it, my lads; a sharp
run to the boat. Here, take my gun, some one. I'll carry him now."

"He's all right, sir," cried the man upon whose back Ned still hung, and
the bearer rose from his knees. "Some one take care as they don't spear
me, and I'll soon have him in the boat."

"Lead on, Jack," cried the doctor.

"All here?" said Jack.

"Yes. Forward."

The distance wa