there ain't, never mind.--Off we goes."

The doctor said nothing, but supported him all he could, and they
started again, with Jack leading and the sailors forming their
rear-guard, retiring in regular military fashion, dividing themselves in
twos, one couple halting face to the enemy till the rest had gone on a
hundred yards and halted, and then trotting or rather forcing their way
along the track, to pass their companions and halt again.

Moment by moment an attack was expected, but it was not made, though
from time to time those in the rear caught sight of a black face peering
round the trunk of a tree, showing that they were followed.

At last as they descended they came to a spot where the stream in the
ravine could be reached, and the wounded man drank of the cool clear
water with feverish avidity, while the doctor frowned as Jack looked at
him with questioning eyes.

"Does take the conceit out of you, Mr Jack," said Ned, as they
continued their retreat. "I did think I was a better-plucked one than
this. Talk about a weak 'un; I'm downright ashamed of myself."

"Don't talk so much, my man," said the doctor. "Keep your breath for
the exertion."

"Cert'nly, sir. That's right," said the man in quick, excited tones.
"Won't say another word, only this. I should like to have just one pop
at the chap who shot me, and hit him in the same place. I'm ashamed to
see you working so hard, Mr Jack, sir. How far is it down to the
boat?"

"About a mile, Ned; but pray do as Doctor Instow says--keep quiet."

"Right, sir, I will," replied the man, setting his teeth hard, his drawn
face showing the agony he was in; and they went on descending, to be
startled by another heavy detonation.

"Another signal," said the doctor; but the words were hardly out of his
lips when there was a fresh report running up the gully, and being
multiplied in echoes which gradually died away.

"Those are not signals, Jack," said the doctor quietly. "It means an
attack upon the yacht by the canoes."

"Oh! and we not there," cried the lad excitedly.

"_Well_, the more lucky for us, eh?"

"Doctor Instow!" cried Jack indignantly; "when these men are wanted to
help defend the vessel. Pray, pray try and walk faster, Ned."

"Trying my best, sir, but I'm very shaky. Legs must be a regular pair
of cowards, sir, for they won't hurry a bit. Ah!"

The poor fellow reeled and would have fallen but for the doctor's strong
arm supporting him