g any display, and were received
by cheers, Tomati going up to each in turn, and gripping his hand.

Just then the Englishman caught sight of his compatriots, and came
across to them quickly.

"Hullo!" he said, with a grim smile, "cleared for action, and guns run
out?"

"Yes, we're ready," said Jem.

"Going to fight on our side?"

"Well, I don't know," said Jem, in a dubious kind of way. "Fighting
arn't much in my line."

"Not in yours neither, youngster. There, I daresay we shall soon beat
them off. You two keep under shelter, and if things go against us, you
both get away, and make for the mountain. Go right into that cave, and
wait till I join you."

"But there will not be much fighting, will there--I mean real fighting?"
said Jem.

"I don't know what you mean by real fighting, squire; but I suppose we
shall keep on till half of us on both sides are killed and wounded."

"So bad as that?"

"P'r'aps worse," said the man grimly. "Here, shake hands young un, in
case we don't have another chance. If you have to run for it, keep
along the east coast for about a hundred miles; there's white men
settled down yonder. Good-bye."

Tomati shook hands heartily, and went off to his righting men, who were
excitedly watching the level below the _pah_, to which part it was
expected the enemy would first come.

Don joined them, eager to see how matters were going, and hopeful still,
in spite of Tomati's words, that matters would not assume so serious an
aspect; but just then a hand was laid upon his arm.

"I was out of it, Mas' Don," whispered Jem. "They do bounce a deal.
But there's going to be real fighting on. One of those poor fellows who
came running in, and stood up as if nothing was wrong, is dead."

"Dead?"

"Yes, my lad. Spear went right through his chest. Hark at 'em!"

There was a low wailing noise from the corner of the _pah_, where the
two men were sheltered, and Don felt a chill of horror run through him.

"Then it is going to be quite a savage battle, Jem?"

"'Fraid so, my lad--no, I don't mean 'fraid--think so. Now, look here,
Mas' Don, it won't be long first, so you'd better go and lie down behind
them high palings, where you'll be safe."

"And what are you going to do?"

"Stop here and see what there is to see."

"But you may be hurt."

"Well, Mas' Don," said Jem bitterly; "it don't much matter if I am. Run
along, my lad."

"I'm going to stop with you, Jem."

"And suppos