nst us."

"Let it rise," said the doctor, sturdily; "we'll knock it down again."

"But the residency, man--the steamer!"

"Phew!" whistled the doctor. "I had forgotten them."

"I had not," said Mr Linton, sadly, "and I fear the worst."

"Keep up your spirits, man. There are those on the island, and aboard
that steamer, who will keep every Malay in the country at bay."

"If they are not overcome by treachery, as we nearly were."

"We must hope then," said the doctor; "hope that those in charge will be
more on the alert. I say, though, Linton, did you give these people
credit for such a trick?"

"Yes; for I have had more experience of them than you; and I blame
myself most bitterly for not being more cautious."

"Regrets are vain," said the doctor. "Let's do all we can to make up
for our lapse--if lapse it has been."

"We will," said the resident. "Would to heaven, though, that I could
feel more at ease about those we have left behind. If we only had a
guide on whom we could depend, matters would not be so bad."

"I have one for you," said the doctor, joyfully.

"Who? Where is he?" exclaimed Mr Linton.

"Here, close at hand," he said.

And hurrying on to where he had left the Malay guide in charge of a
couple of soldiers, he found that he had arrived only just in time; for
feeling was very strong just then against every one wearing a dark skin,
and the men were looking askance at one whom they believed likely to
betray them at any moment.

"A Malay!" said Mr Linton, doubtfully.

"Yes, and a trusty one," said the doctor, decisively. "I will answer
for his fidelity."

"That is rather bold, doctor," said the major, who just then came up;
"but these are times when we must not be too particular. Can he
understand us?"

"I was the young chief Ali's servant, and I speak English," said the
Malay, quietly.

"That is no recommendation," said Captain Horton, sharply. "That young
chief deserted us, like the rest."

"No," said the doctor; "he was assassinated for taking our part; and
this man nearly shared his fate."

This decided matters in favour of the Malay being retained as guide; but
there was still a difficulty, and that was, would the poor fellow,
injured as he was, be able to undertake the duty?

He said he could, however; and as soon as he understood what was wanted,
he went to the front, and the retreat was continued.

CHAPTER FIFTY NINE.

LIKE BROTHERS IN DISTRESS.

It was a s