s, or Rajah Gantang's, voice was heard in a
reproving tone as he bade his men be silent.

Gray tried again, but for the third time the cartridges, soaked as they
were by being under water so long, refused to go off. But at his fifth
and sixth pulls there were a couple of lines of light, and Gray felt
astonished as he heard how loud were the reports the little weapon made.

For with a couple of bright flashes that seemed to the astonished Malays
to come out of the surface of the river, there were as many echoing
reports, and as they rang out they were answered by sentry after sentry
about the island, the last shot being fired by Private Sim, close at
hand, after which he ran for his life.

There was a sharp keen order at this, and the boats' heads were forced
up to the bank, one of their prows crushing right in upon Gray even to
touching him, but saving his life for the moment, as it concealed his
position from the enemies, who were vainly trying to make out in the
darkness who had given the alarm.

Gray had not a moment to lose; already spears were being thrust beneath
the bank to right and left of him. His only chance was to dive right
beneath the keel of the nearest boat and swim down the river for his
life.

He did not pause to think of the risk--the alarm had been given, and he
had the satisfaction of knowing that every one would be on the alert--as
he dived down, passed beneath the keel of the first boat, and then
beneath the next, keeping under water all he could till he was fifty
yards or so from the nearest prahu, when he struck out for the shore.

The current ran very strong where he now was, and soon took him beyond
reach of pursuit; but it had its disadvantages, for as he swam he felt
that if he did not use every effort he would be swept right down the
river. And now, too, came the dread of the crocodiles, and he swam on,
expecting each moment to feel the teeth of one of the monsters, and to
be snatched down into the depths of the river to a horrible death.

Meanwhile, shots were being fired on the island; he heard drum and bugle
calling to the muster, and relieved of the fear that Captain Smithers
would be surprised, he fought on manfully with the swift stream.

His efforts seemed in vain, for though he had contrived to get pretty
close to the shore, the current ran so strong that he saw himself swept
by the dark line of trees and into the stream below.

His only hope now seemed to be to make for