ties to form his plan of proceeding. It was to
move to the right just outside the burning wood, then to charge up the
hill under cover of the smoke and attack the enemy on the flank, so that
their shot might not be directed towards the house. The other boats
appeared to him to be pulling very slowly, but they arrived at last, and
a small party of marines quickly formed with the blue jackets on either
hand. The orders were given in a low voice, Norman and Archie leading
in Indian file, and at a double quick march. They proceeded a short way
along the shore, and then facing about they rushed up the hill, uttering
a true English cheer. The blacks raised a cry of alarm. Those who with
burning brands in their hands were attempting to mount the ladders let
them drop, tumbling head over heels to the ground. Their companions
scampered off, many throwing down their muskets. Their leader Cudjoe
held his, and sullenly retired, but as several shots came whizzing past
him, he increased his pace, till he began to run as fast as the rest,
and the whole multitude took to their heels, shrieking with alarm, like
a herd of swine, tumbling over each other down the hill, some making for
the opposite height, others rushing along the valley.

The marines, led by their sergeant, charged after them till the greater
number of the fleet-footed savages had disappeared.

Archie Sandys accompanied the master with one party of blue jackets in
pursuit of Cudjoe, but the black leader succeeded in reaching a wood,
and was soon lost to sight among the trees. Several negroes, however,
were overtaken. Seeing that they could not escape, they fell on their
knees, begging for mercy. The seamen were about to cut them down when
Archie recognised two or three slaves who had saved his life, and
throwing himself before them intreated the seamen to desist. The
master, who had fortunately heard his account, understanding his motive,
restrained the sailors, and the lives of the poor blacks were spared.

"I don't forget the mercy you showed me," said Archie, "but I wish you
had managed to run off." Then, turning to the master, he begged that he
would allow the blacks to escape. "If they are made prisoners I may be
unable to save their lives," he said.

"Well, then, let us go and look after some others," exclaimed Mr
Billhook. "Tell them to show leg-bail and we'll not follow them."

The kind-hearted seamen fully appreciating Archie's object were well