uard. Now, then, off with you, and God help
us."

Panton reached up to wring his hand, and then, with the mainmast
overhead already beginning to burn, he ran aft.

There was no time to spare, for the fire was creeping astern with
wonderful rapidity, and, after a glance downward at the deck, Oliver
lifted the keg and held it carefully balanced upon the top of the
sloping plank, whose lower end was now just beginning to burn. For the
space of quite a minute he held it with a fire in front scorching his
brow, and the sparks rushing overhead on what was now a fierce wind.
Then, when he had it perfectly balanced to his satisfaction, he let go
with both hands, and the keg remained stationary for an instant. Then
it began to roll down the plank faster and faster, and ended by
literally bounding off the burning deck as it reached the bottom of the
plank and plunging right into the fiery furnace that had been the
forecastle.

Oliver stayed till he saw the keg disappear, and then swung himself down
and ran to where his friends were waiting.

"Over!" cried Panton, and the men dropped from the stern, just as there
was a tremendous roar and a rush of flame; sparks and burning pieces of
timber rose from the forepart of the ship, followed by the burning
foremast, which fortunately fell over toward the bows, sending the
blacks flying.

"All here?" said Panton, in a low voice, but no one spoke, and for a few
minutes the darkness seemed intense, as huge clouds of smoke rolled up
from where the fire had blazed so fiercely. "Then off!" but before they
were far on their way, the flames burst forth again with fury, lighting
up the open flat across which they retreated, and a yell arose.

"Now, steady," cried Panton. "Double. When I cry halt, we'll turn and
give them a volley. Then another run, loading as we go. You there,
Lane?"

"All right."

They ran till the blacks began to press them, halted, checked the enemy
with a volley, ran on loading, and turned again, the evolution being so
successful that at last they reached the opening in the forest without
losing a man. Here they gave the enemy another volley, reloaded, and
now in single file, led by Panton, entered the dense shades.

"Where to?" said Oliver to Drew.

"Safety, I hope," was the reply.

"Safety. We have not a scrap of food, only ammunition. Yes, we have,"
he cried more cheerily, "stout hearts and plenty of faith. We can
easily keep the enemy at bay, to