.

As soon as the line of mattrasses was pushed forward to the edge of the
poop a steady fire was opened upon the natives, who had already taken
off the hatches, and were engaged in bringing their plunder up on deck,
deferring the dangerous operation of carrying the poop for the present.

As soon, however, as the fire opened upon them they seized their spears
and tomahawks, and, led by one of their chiefs, made a rush at the two
poop ladders. Mr. Atherton gave a shout, and the whole of the passengers
seizing their muskets sprang to their feet and ran forward to the
barricade, and so heavy a fire was poured into the natives as they tried
to ascend the ladders, that they fell back again and contented
themselves with replying to the fire with volleys of spears. The
passengers at once renewed their work of passing the materials for the
barricade forward, and this was continued until it rose breast high.
They then took their places closely together behind it, and joined its
defenders in keeping up a heavy fire upon the natives. So deadly was its
effect that the latter began to lose heart and to jump over into the
canoes alongside.

A cheer broke from the passengers as they saw the movement of retreat.
It was no longer necessary for any to reserve their fire, and this was
redoubled. The natives were discouraged by the want of leaders; their
principal chiefs had all been killed on the poop, and any other who
attempted to rally them and lead them again to an attack was instantly
shot down by Mr. Atherton, who, as Wilfrid, who was standing next to
him observed, never once failed to bring down the man he aimed at.

"I think we might go at them, sir, now," the second officer said to Mr.
Atherton; "the fight is all out of them."

"I think so too, Rawlins. Now, gentlemen, give them one last volley and
then pull down the barricade across the ends of the ladders and charge
them." The volley was given, and then with a ringing cheer the barricade
was thrust aside, and, led on one side by Mr. Atherton and on the other
by the second officer, the defenders of the poop sprang down the ladders
and rushed forward. The natives did not stop to await them, but sprung
overboard with the greatest precipitation, and the _Flying Scud_ was
once again in the hands of its lawful owners.

"Now, Rawlins, do you and the sailors work the guns, we will pepper them
with our rifles," Mr. Atherton said. "Mr. Renshaw, will you go aft and
tell the ladies t