rifles," he commanded. "Now line up. My men, we are not to
be frightened by a lot of bellowing natives."

"Afraid. Not us!" came the reply from one of the salts. "Jest fancy
hooking it because of these fellers. We'll get aboard and sink 'em,
boys."

There was a roar as the men heard the words, while the swish of
cutlasses being drawn from their scabbards could be heard. Then Dick
gave another shout, and placing himself beside Jack Emmett at the head
of the little party he started forward, his teeth clenched, and his mind
made up to beat back this attack and conquer.

"Charge!" he bellowed. "Charge into the middle of them."

There was now no longer need for silence, and the cheer which the men
gave showed that their spirit was not lacking. Closely following their
young leaders they raced forward in a compact body, heading for the very
centre of the enemy. And it was clear at once that their sudden
appearance and their warlike intentions gave food for thought to the
enemy. The mad rush of the Ashantis came to a sudden end, the mass
halting to stare at these few enemies. A few turned tail immediately
and fled, while some of the natives hung in the background, uncertain
how to act. Then one of their number gave a shout and they came on
again, but this time with less determination. A few seconds later the
combatants met, the sailors throwing themselves upon the Ashantis with
deafening cheers, cutting and slashing at them fiercely, while one of
them, happening to miss his aim, and to strike the ground with his
weapon, whereby it was jerked from his hand, took to his fists in true
nautical style, and struck right and left amongst the enemy. Still, it
was a critical moment for Dick and his party, and only their dash and
bravery saved them. The contest hung in the balance for a minute or
more, while the natives stabbed desperately at the sailors, some of them
doubling up and attempting to dash in below the cutlass. But the result
was always the same. There was a thud, and the weapon fell with
unerring aim, stretching the man on the ground. Or if that was not the
case, Jack's knee would rise of a sudden, and the native would receive a
blow on the head which stunned him instantly. Amidst all the clamour
came the sharp crack of the revolvers held by the two young leaders.

"Forward!" shouted Dick. "Give a cheer, and drive them back."

Grandly did the men support him. Though they had been fighting their
ha