sight of those behind, and then, muttering the
words of the old school game, "Here comes my ship full sail, cock
warning!" he let go, glided down, made his splash, and the next minute
was standing beyond Roberts, holding on, for the pressure of the rushing
water was great. The others followed rapidly, Bracy last, and feeling
as if he had suddenly plunged into liquid ice, so intensely cold was the
water, which reached nearly to his chin. He glanced outward to get a
dim peep of the river they were about to try and cross, and another
chill ran through him, for it was like standing face to face with death,
the surface eastward being one race of swirling and rushing foam, dotted
here and there by masses of rock. There was a few moments' anxious
pause, and, above the hissing rush of the water, the echoing crack,
crack, crack of the enemies' jezails reached their ears, but sounding
smothered and far away. Then Roberts spoke:

"You can swim, Drummond?"

"Yes, in smooth water," was the reply. "I don't know about cascades."

"You've got to, my lad," said Roberts shortly. "What about your men?
You can, I know, Gedge."

"Yes, sir."

"You others?"

"I can swim a few strokes, sir," said one.

"Never was no water, sir, where I was," replied the other.

"A few strokes!" cried Roberts fiercely. "No water! Shame on you,
lads! No one who calls himself a man ought, to be in a position to say
such a thing. Well, we'll do our best. Don't cling, or you'll drown us
as well."

"I can get one on 'em across like a shot, sir," cried Gedge excitedly.

"Silence!" cried Roberts.

"But I done drowning-man resky, sir, in Victory Park lots o' times."

"Then rescue the drowning-man with the injured leg--yourself," said
Roberts, smiling--"if it comes to the worst. Draw swords, gentlemen.
I'll lead. You take hold of my sword, my lad, and take fast grip of Mr
Drummond's hand. Drummond, hold out your sword to Gedge. Gedge, take
Mr Bracy's hand. Bracy, you can extend your sword to the last. We may
be able to wade. If not we must go with the stream, and trust to the
rocks. Each man who reaches a shallow can help the rest. Ready?
Forward!"

CHAPTER TEN.

A NICE WALK.

"Halt!" cried Roberts in a low tone of voice; for, as he gave the order
to advance for the attempt to ford the river, a fresh burst of firing
arose from what seemed to be nearer, and he hesitated to lead his
companions out into the rushing flood and bey