s
thought, Ned retaliated by dashing out his left fist, and struck his
enemy full on the cheek.

But it was a feeble blow, and did no more than make him fiercer as he
turned to renew the attack.

"It's all over!" groaned the poor fellow. "If they'll only pick up the
poor young governor in time!"

A hoarse sob of despair escaped from Ned's breast, as he prepared to
dodge the next blow from the club, meaning not to strike another
nerveless, helpless blow from the water, but to grapple with the black.

"And then it's who can hold his breath longest," he thought. "Oh, why
did I come on a trip like this?"

Thought comes quickly at a time like this.

The club was once more raised and held suspended in the air for a few
moments, the wily black feinting twice over, and making Ned dodge. The
third time he made another quick feint, and was in the act then of
delivering a tremendous blow, when Jack uttered a wild cry, for he had
turned his head to appeal to his companion for help.

At that moment Ned heard a whizz, as if some beetle had suddenly passed
his ear; there was instantaneously a sharp pat, and the moment after the
report of a rifle. The club fell into the water with a splash.

"Hah!" ejaculated Ned, turning on his side, and in a dozen side strokes
he was alongside of Jack once more, as he was making a brave effort to
come to his companion's aid.

"Back, my lad, back!" cried Ned as he swam. "No, no; you're not beaten
yet. Hooray! the boat! They're close here, and--Mr Jack, sir--it's--
it's too much--I--I--Swim, sir, swim--don't--don't mind me!"

The poor fellow's look seemed fixed and staring, his arms refused their
office, and Jack caught at him to try and support him. Then struggling
vainly the water closed over his head, as his starting eyes saw the
flashing of the water thrown up by six oars, and a figure standing
leaning toward him, boat-hook in hand.

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT.

NOT BEATEN YET.

"How are you, boy?"

The voice seemed to come from a great distance, and the face of the
speaker looked far away, and yet his hand was being held in his father's
firm palm.

"Ah!" sighed Jack in answer. Then quickly, "Ned! Ned! Where's Ned?"

"Safe here," said Sir John. "In the boat. We were only just in time."

"He's coming to," said another familiar voice. "Pull away, my lads.
Well, Jack, old fellow, you've been carrying on a nice game. How are
you? Glad to see you. No, no, lie back fo