f the blacks leapt to their feet, a volley from
nineteen guns was poured into them--followed by seven or eight
more, as most of the settlers were armed with double-barrelled
guns; a few buckshot being dropped into each barrel, over the
bullets. Then came the sharp cracks of the pistols, as the whites
rushed down to the assault.

The natives attempted no resistance. Panic stricken at the sudden
appearance of the foe, whom they imagined by this time far back on
their way to the settlements; and paralysed by the slaughter made
by the first volley, they thought only of flight. A few caught up
their spears and waddies, as they made a dash for the bushes, and
strove to effect their escape between the parties advancing on each
side of them; but the latter were now close at hand and, for a
minute or two, a fight took place between the whites, with their
clubbed muskets, and the natives with their spears and waddies. But
it was soon over, for the natives only fought to escape and, as
soon as they saw an opening, bounded away into the bushes.

Only one of the assailants was killed, but several were more or
less severely wounded by the spears; while no less than thirty-four
of the blacks were killed. The victors made no attempt at pursuit
but, as soon as the last of the natives had escaped, they gathered
to ascertain what loss had taken place, on their side.

"Poor Phillips is killed," Mr. Blount said, as he examined the
body. "The spear has gone right through his throat. Fortunately he
was a single man. He has only been out here a few months, and was
staying down at Dick Caister's."

"Poor Tom," Dick said, in feeling tones. "He was a capital young
fellow, and I am deeply sorry. Fortunately he has left no one
behind to grieve more than I do for him, for he lost his father and
mother shortly before he came out, and was alone in the world."

"I am thankful it's no worse," Mr. Blount said. "We have given the
blacks a terrible lesson. I think, as far as they are concerned, we
can sleep in peace for a long time. Of course we have not done with
them, for they are very revengeful; but a blow like this will
render them careful, for a long time, how they attack us.

"How many of them have fallen?"

"Thirty-four," Reuben said. "Jim has just been counting them up.

"Now, Mr. Blount, we will have another of your sheep for breakfast,
and then we'll be off."

The sheep had scattered somewhat, at the alarm of the fire, but
were soon