loaded with a big
bunch of bananas, just at the point where the narrow ledge leading to
the cavern began. He was on his way back from a stroll, and, happening
to sight a particularly attractive bunch of the fruit, had determined to
take it home with him. We were practically safe now, since anywhere
along this narrow ledge, all the way to the cavern, a single person
armed with a rifle could defend and hold the road so long as his supply
of ammunition lasted. I therefore slowed my pace to a walk, and, taking
the bananas from the boy and handing the rifle and cartridges to him in
return, I rapidly explained the situation to him, and bade him play the
part of rearguard while I carried the fruit, the weight of which was
almost too great for him. I felt tolerably certain that we could reach
the cavern before being overtaken, as we did.

"Is everybody at home?" I shouted, as, having climbed into the cave
after Julius, and drawn up the ladder behind me to prevent its
unauthorised use, I made my way toward the inner apartment which we used
as a living-room.

"Yes," came the reply in Mrs Vansittart's voice; "everybody, that is to
say, but Julius--"

"He is here with me," I cut in, as I entered the room and saw all four
of the women diligently engaged upon the tedious task of weaving their
cloth. "I met him at the beginning of the path, and brought him home
with me, also this fine bunch of bananas which some good fairy prompted
him to cut. We must use them carefully, for they, with what else we may
have in the cavern, may have to last us for several days."

"Why? What do you mean, Walter?" demanded Mrs Vansittart in a tone of
alarm, while the others paused in their work to listen.

"He means that four big war canoes loaded with savages have just entered
the harbour; and the chances are that we may have to stand a siege," cut
in Julius, who had followed me in.

"Hillo!" I exclaimed in surprise. "You here? That will never do.
Just trot back to the mouth of the cavern, keeping enough in the
darkness to avoid being seen from outside, and keep a look-out while I
explain things to your mother. Then I will come and relieve you. If
you see anything of the savages give a low whistle, and I will join you.
Cut, now; and keep your eyes skinned. How are we off for water, Mrs
Vansittart?"

"Oh, I don't know! I think we have the breaker about half-full,"
replied the lady.

"That will do; it will be ample for us all until