the leaves of
the neighbouring trees, while the water lapped gently on the beach. No
other sounds reached my ears. I still felt so drowsy that I was sure,
should I sit down, that I should go to sleep. Occasionally I extended
my walk to the borders of the forest.

I had made several turns, and calculated that I had been half an hour or
so on watch, when it appeared to me that the night was growing darker,
and looking up I saw that the stars overhead were obscured, while the
murmuring sound in the trees had increased in loudness; though sheltered
as we were by the forest we did not feel the wind, which was blowing off
shore. The clouds continued gathering until the whole sky was obscured.
I fully expected before long that there would be a downpour of rain,
but as we were on a weather shore I did not think it necessary to call
my companions. I continued my walk, occasionally approaching the forest
and then returning to the boat.

I looked out anxiously for the approach of day, but even had the sky
been clear, the trees would have prevented me from seeing the first
streaks of dawn, and as it was the sun itself would probably not be
visible.

At last I knew by the light that the day had broke. I had gone back to
the forest, and intended to arouse my companions at the end of the next
turn, when I fancied that I could distinguish the sound of human voices
amid the soughing of the wind in the branches overhead. Stooping down
to the ground I listened attentively--I was sure I was not mistaken.

The voices might be those of the natives, who finding we had retreated
had pursued us. Hurrying back to the boat as quickly as I could, I
roused up Uncle Jack, telling him what I had heard.

"Very likely you are right, Harry," he answered, "though we might drive
back the savages, we could not do so without bloodshed, and our safest
plan will be to get our boat off and hold a parley with them from her.
If they show hostility, we can keep them at bay until we get to a safe
distance."

Without a moment's delay we called up our companions. We quickly turned
the boat on her keel and ran her down into the water. We two held her,
while the rest carried our goods on board.

Just as we were jumping in we saw a number of savages, armed with spears
and bows, emerging from the forest, and they, catching sight of us,
rushed forward, others following, until a formidable band was collected
on the beach.

"Shove off, lads!" cried the