aining on them.

"It won't do to be taken running," said Higson.

At length they reached an open space on one side of the road. Higson
called a halt, and facing about said--

"I will see if I can't make the fellows keep their distance."

The Brazilians in considerable force, some with firearms in their hands
and others with pikes or ox-goads, were seen not a hundred yards off,
coming towards them.

At that moment the tramp of feet was heard in the rear.

"We are surrounded, I am afraid," said Higson, "but we won't give in
notwithstanding."

The party from the opposite side came rapidly on, and to Higson's
surprise the Brazilians suddenly halted, amid began to talk in excited
voices to each other. The tramp of feet grew louder and louder, when,
by the light of the moon, which, by-the-bye, it should have been said,
was shining brightly, Higson and his companions, as they looked along
the road, saw a dozen bluejackets and as many marines coming towards
them, with an officer at their head, who was quickly recognised as Jack
Rogers. He and the rest were soon shaking hands, when Jack told them
that as soon as notice was brought on board of what had happened, Murray
had sent him and his party off in a couple of boats, and that on landing
and hearing the firing he had hurried up, thinking it possible that his
assistance might be required.

"Then Sangaree Jack proved faithful, and told you the position in which
we have been placed," said Higson.

"Yes, massa, and he well gained de oder fifteen dollars," exclaimed the
black, coming out from among the bluejackets, behind whom he had
concealed himself.

No sooner did the Brazilians perceive the English party than away they
scampered as fast as their legs could carry them. Jack determined at
once to go to the judge's house, and to demand satisfaction for the
insult which had been offered to the majesty of England in the persons
of some of her naval defenders, and his black namesake undertook to
guide him there.

The magistrate, aroused out of his first sleep by hearing his door-bell
ringing violently, was naturally in a great fright, and stood trembling
and bowing as Jack walked into the house. He excused himself on the
plea that he had no notion the prisoners were English officers, fully
believing that they were pirates, as the people who had captured them
had asserted. He acknowledged, however, that most of the said officious
personages were connected with slav