and see where the bullet splashed. The man who fired must have been
hidden in the forest. I don't think the poor beggar stands a chance,
unless he steers right across to the far side of the river."

"And if he did, sir, he'd be had sure enough," sang out one of the
sailors. "I can see a boat creeping along in the shadow. Shall we try
a shot, sir?"

For a little while there was no answer. It was difficult to say whether
this man--for there was undoubtedly only one in the flying craft--was an
enemy or a friend. If he were an Ashanti, then he was certainly the
former. But then were those who pursued him friendly natives, living
under the nominal protection of the British, therefore opposed to the
Ashantis?

"He's in trouble, of that there is no doubt," said Dick, suddenly, as
the native boat, propelled by the frantic strokes of its single occupant
and helped by the current, swept down towards them. "And he has some
scores of enemies pursuing him. What if he is carrying news to us?
Perhaps he is coming down with important information. Get your rifles
ready, and if that other boat pushes out into the river get her range
and wait for the word. Ah, he's seen us. Did you see him wave his
paddle?"

For a moment the unhappy wretch who was coming down the stream in such
desperate haste lifted his paddle and waved it overhead with an
eagerness there was no mistaking. Then he plunged it into the water
again, and plied it for his life. That he was threatened with death if
captured there could be little doubt, for the unseen foes who manned the
far bank thrashed the water about him with their slugs, while the
silence and peace of the river was disturbed by the loud boom of their
muzzle-loaders, and by their excited shouts. In a moment Dick made up
his mind to help the fugitive, whoever he might be, and at a word the
sailors lay down and commenced to fire at the bushes from which came the
puffs of smoke. Meanwhile Jack Emmett kept the launch steadily in
mid-stream, Johnnie supplying her with a small amount of steam, which
was sufficient to keep her under way and prevent her being swept back by
the current. As for the men who had appeared, lurking in the shadows in
their boat, a single shot sufficed to send them back round the bend of
the river.

"Perhaps they have had a taste of our rifles before," thought Dick, as
he watched the boat and saw the splash of the shot where it struck the
water close beside them. "A