r a bit. We'll soon have you
on board."

Jack said nothing for a few moments. Then quickly--

"Who was it fired that shot?"

"Oh, never mind about who fired it," said the doctor gruffly; but he
picked up a double rifle lying against one of the thwarts, and
mechanically opened the breech, drew out a spent cartridge, and thrust
in another.

"Have your pieces ready, my lads. Half at the word cease rowing, aim,
and fire. Are you ready, gentlemen? They're coming on very fast."

"Yes; all right," said the doctor; and Sir John rose in the boat, rifle
in hand, and gave the mate, who had spoken, a nod, and then he smiled as
Jack rose up quickly and picked up one of the loaded pieces at his side.

But no one fired at the rapidly advancing canoes, which were crowded
with men; for suddenly there was a deep roar from the yacht, a heavy
charge of grape-shot ploughed up the water in front of the first canoe,
and the paddling in both ceased.

Another shot sent the water flying over the second canoe, and as if
animated by one brain, the paddles began to work again, not to send the
vessels forward, but back toward the island; and five minutes later the
boat was alongside the yacht.

The men sent up a hearty cheer as Captain Bradleigh held out his hand to
assist Jack on board, and his words were almost drowned in the welcoming
cries; but Jack heard him, as the warm grip retained his hand, and
another pressed his shoulder.

"The best day's work, my lad, we ever did. God bless you, and thank Him
for giving you safely back."

Five minutes later the boat was swinging to the davits.

"Don't want to punish them any more, Sir John, I suppose?" cried the
captain.

"No, no, let the miserable wretches go," said Jack's father.

"Then we'll go back to the old anchorage, sir, for there's a look about
the sky I don't like."

The signal was given, and the yacht began to glide rapidly through the
water, back toward where the volcano rose up glowing with colour in the
morning light, while Jack was at Ned's side as he lay coming to on the
deck.

He stared about him for a few moments, and then fixed his eyes on those
of Jack, breaking out half hysterically--

"I couldn't help it, Mr Jack, sir; don't set me down for a cowardly
cur."

"Help what?" said the lad wonderingly.

"Turning like a woman, and fainting away that how. Oh, do give me a
dose o' something, doctor, I feel sick as a dog."

"No, no; lie still for a minute or t