fiercer, and by now
Dick and the majority of his men had been hit; though, thanks to the
wide interval existing between the combatants, few of the missiles
penetrated. Then there came the beat of a war-drum, a dull,
reverberating sound which seemed to echo through the forest, while Dick
caught fleeting glimpses of a group of the enemy, passing amidst the
trees, and exhorting their comrades.

"Get ready, my lads," he sang out, "and don't forget, give them a couple
of volleys and more as they run. When I shout, form up outside and
charge. Jack, just watch those beggars and when they cross one of the
paths let us fire together."

They lay behind two plantain trees which happened to be close together,
and followed the movements of the group of Ashanti officers whom they
had seen on the opposite side of the clearing. Within a few seconds
they saw them emerge into one of the numerous roads cut through the
forest. Both fired together, and gave a shout as they saw one of the
enemy, a big man, gaudily dressed and feathered, fall to the ground. A
moment later they were throwing cartridges into their rifles as rapidly
as was possible, and were emptying their weapons at a speed which showed
what need there was for action. For hardly had the tall leader on the
far side given a shriek and fallen, when the deep boom of the war-drum
became deafening, as if the man who wielded the stick were beating out
his indignation and hatred. Shouts of fury filled the air, and as if
the drum were the signal, some two hundred of the dusky enemy started
from the trees and commenced to rush across the clearing. Very fierce
and forbidding they looked as they came, for they had discarded their
muskets, or had slung them behind their shoulders, and now they were
armed with Ashanti swords, or with formidable-looking knives.

"Steady, men!" shouted Dick, at once. "We have plenty of time to knock
a few over. Fire as fast as you can and wait for the signal."

The forest resounded to the crack of the rifles, and to the shouts of
the natives. Not a sound came from the bluejackets save that given out
from their weapons. They maintained a grim silence, and stretched there
on their faces, kept up a withering fire, directing their shots with
marvellous coolness. But there was a stern, ugly glint in their eyes,
and the hands that wielded the rifles gripped very tightly. Then Dick
gave a shout, and in a moment all were on their feet.

"Drop your