so much, that I'm to get
ready some more."

"There's plenty--hot enough for anything, Dick," said the engineer, "and
I'll keep up the supply."

"Silence below there!" cried a voice; and the engineer gave his
subordinates a nod.

"You'd better get on deck, Dick, old man," he said quietly; and then in
response to a signal from above, he seized and altered a couple of
handles, listened for a fresh order, and slackened the speed of the
engine; while Dick went back on deck, satisfied that there was an
abundant supply of hot water ready for the next action, and seeing that
the island was once more in sight.

A party of Malays were at the head, but they disappeared amidst the
trees as the steamer came steadily down stream, while now as they drew
nearer the sounds of smart firing could be heard, telling that an
engagement was in progress. Smoke, too, was rising slowly above the
feathery palm-trees, but not in such dense volumes as that which could
still be seen spreading out like a cloud above the jungle, where the
prahu was burning.

A sharp series of orders followed, and every man stood at his post; for
boats could be seen going to and from the island, and it was plain
enough to the meanest comprehension on deck that if they meant to aid
the occupants of the fort they had come none too soon.

CHAPTER FORTY EIGHT.

PLEASANT DAYS AT THE FORT.

Matters seemed to grow worse from the moment that Adam Gray started off
on his mission to the steamer, and Captain Smithers' brows seemed to
have settled into a constant frown, for it was no light matter to be in
command of the little fort, right away from aid, and only with a limited
supply of provisions. They might be made to last weeks or months; but
the end must come, and he saw no chance of help from outside, unless the
steamer went off to the nearest station in search thereof.

Then there was the constant worry upon his brain about the expedition
and its fate, for there could be no doubt about Ali's news; the force
had been divided by cunning, and, with such treacherous enemies, he felt
but little hope of seeing any of the party again.

Fortunately for him and the sharers of his imprisonment--for it was
little else--their minds were too much occupied by the defence of the
place to give them time to sit and brood over their troubles. There was
always something to do, some weak part to strengthen; and Captain
Smithers longed for the help of the lieutenant with the