s followed, and so hardly were
they pressed that the foremost blacks came bounding up just as Oliver
and Panton backed slowly in, keeping their pieces towards the entrance,
and firing twice as some of the enemy began to follow.

These shots and the darkness checked them, and they vented their
disappointment by howling with rage, and sending arrow after arrow
splintering against the roof or rocky sides, and making the hollows echo
dismally.

With a little care, though, sufficient distance was soon placed between
the fugitives and their pursuers, while a bend in the passage-like
entrance protected them from the arrows, which were deflected as they
struck the walls, and after a time these ceased, and all waited for the
next development of the attack.

"They will not dare to come in here," Drew said; "these people are too
superstitious to enter such a hole."

"Not when they have lights," said Oliver, sadly. "Smith, can you lead
the men farther in? You know the way. Forward."

It was time, for all at once bright rays flashed from the surface of the
little river, and shone upon the rocky walls, as with shout and yell the
blacks once more came on, and though shot after shot was fired they
still pressed forward, evidently determined to avenge the deaths of so
many of their party.

But the burning wood they bore helped the retreating party, and rendered
the bearers plain objects for the marksmen, while the deafening roar of
echoes after every discharge had its effect, and checked the savages
more than seeing one or two of their number drop.

But still they came on, forcing the little party back till the sharp
bend was reached, and all passed round into absolute darkness and the
fearful roar of the failing waters.

"They'll never come along here, surely," said Panton, with his lips to
his companion's ear, as they slowly retreated, backing, hand in hand,
and guiding themselves by one passing his foot along the edge of the
river's bank.

It was a vain hope, for lights soon flashed round, and the great
cavernous place was more and more lit up, the shadowy black figures
darting here and there, and sending an arrow whenever they fancied they
could see one of the sailors.

"Our last chance," shouted Panton, excitedly. "We must stand at bay
yonder, on the point, and sell our lives dearly. We'll wait till they
come close up, and then begin sending volleys, half firing while the
others reload. What do you say!"

"That