e and sad accident threw a gloom over the spirits both
of officers and men, and but few went again to sleep during the
remainder of the night. The next day they would probably be engaged
with the enemy, and who could tell whose fate it might be to fall? To
pass slowly up against the rapid stream with both its banks affording an
almost impenetrable shelter to a concealed foe was likely to cost them
many lives, and from the account they had heard of the strong position
of the fort they were aware that it would give them severe work to
capture. Still it was to be done, and no one doubted that it would be
done, whatever might be the sacrifice. The more reflective had their
minds fully occupied, and all were in a state of anxiety on account of
their captain, and the persons he had risked his own safety to rescue
from destruction. Adair, who heard what Ben had cried out, had little
hopes that he would succeed, and was afraid also that his old shipmate
had lost his life.

At dawn Murray had all hands roused up that they might get ready to
start. Should the captain unfortunately have lost his life the command
would devolve on him, and he resolved to do his best to secure the
success of the expedition.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

THE CAPTAIN'S RETURN--BOATS APPROACH THE FORT--ASSAILED ON ALL SIDES--
HOT FIRE--PASSING THE FORT--ARCHY WOUNDED--THE LANDING--FORT ATTACKED--
NEEDHAM HAULS DOWN THE FLAG--ENEMY PUT TO FLIGHT--THE PURSUIT--FALL OF
COMMANDER BABBICOME--PRISONERS CAPTURED--FORT DESTROYED--RE-EMBARK--
PASSAGE DOWN THE RIVER--SAIL FOR JAMAICA--DEATH OF COMMANDER BABBICOME--
FUNERAL--MURRAY PROMOTED--HASTENS TO SAINT DAVID'S.

Alick Murray felt the full responsibility of the duty imposed on him,
but he knew that he had trustworthy supporters in Jack and Terence, and
that full reliance could be placed on the military officers and on the
gallant marines and soldiers of the regiment.

As soon as day broke Higson dropped down the stream to rejoin the main
body. He had heard the shouts and cries, and fancying that they had
been caused by the appearance of another puma or jaguar in the camp, he
had not thought it his duty to quit his post. As soon as he arrived,
Murray, informing him of what had happened, ordered him to proceed down
the river and ascertain, if possible, what had become of the captain and
the two unfortunate gentlemen who had been carried away by the current.
In the meantime every preparation was made for s