, and interposed their bodies
between the two youths and the threatened danger.

"That's very prettily done, my dears," said Bob; "but you are both of
you horribly in the way if we should shoot, and it isn't the fashion in
England. Place aux Messieurs in a case like this. There, you stand
behind me."

He gently placed the girl behind him, keeping his gun the while pointed
at the Malays, and Tom Long followed his example.

"Shall we shoot, Bob Roberts?" said the ensign, hoarsely.

"No," said Bob, whose voice sounded just as hoarse. "Not unless they
try to do us mischief. This is the time for a strategical retreat, as
they are three to one, and we may at any time be cut off. I say, Tom, I
feel in such a horrible state of squirm; don't you?"

"Never was so frightened in my life," replied Tom, "but pray don't show
it."

"Show it?" replied Bob sharply; "hang 'em, no; they should cut me to
pieces first. But I say, old fellow, I never thought I was such a
coward before."

"More did I," replied Tom. "Suppose they understand what we're saying!"

"Not they; no more than we can them. I say, I have it! These are two
slaves trying to escape, and these chaps want to get them back."

"Then we'll take them right away to the fort," cried Tom. "Look out!"
he added, as, after speaking to his followers, the chief Malay made
another angry advance with the men.

"Now look here, Mr Cafe-au-lait," said Bob, raising his gun this time
to his shoulder, as he spoke aloud, "if you don't sheer off, I'll let
fly at you a regular broadside. Be ready, Tom."

"Ready!" was the sharp reply, "when you say Fire."

"Right," replied Bob. "Now then, old check-petticoat, are you going to
call off your men?"

For answer the Malay pointed to the two trembling girls, and signed to
his men to advance with their spears.

"I'm horribly alarmed, Tom!" cried Bob, "but retreating now is showing
the white feather, and we shall be whopped. Now then, don't fire, but
let's make a dash at them."

The Malays were only about three yards off, having before retreated five
or six, but now they had diminished the distance, when the two lads,
with their pieces at their shoulders, stepped boldly forward, with the
result that the Malays broke and fled, their leader first; and out of
bravado Tom Long fired a shot over their heads to quicken their steps,
while Bob burst into a hearty fit of laughter.

"Look here!" he said. "Here's a game! Only look, s