pieces. I heard my uncle utter a low
chuckle of laughter, and presently there issued from behind the building
his huge python, hissing furiously, and making its way at a rapid rate
along the ground, as if in pursuit of the pirates.

"The fellows have set his cage on fire, and the creature has made his
escape from the flames," said my uncle. "He is wisely rushing to the
nearest water to cool himself, and I suspect he thinks less of attacking
them than of soothing his wounds."

The python, however, as he was speaking, began to move slower and
slower. He evidently had considerable difficulty in working his way
over the ground. Presently his head, hitherto erect, sunk down, and he
lay stretched out at his full length apparently dead.

"It will be as well," said my uncle, "to make our way back to the fort,
for these fellows will soon recover from their panic, and will suspect
that the owners of the house are not far off. We cannot remain long
concealed from them, for if they once begin to search about, they will
soon discover the path to our river road."

We accordingly hurried back to the fort. We found that Tanda had
arrived before us. The whole party were in a great state of alarm, for
he had made signs that the pirates had landed, and they also had seen
the smoke from the burning house. They also dreaded from his signs that
we had fallen into their power. I was glad to find that some deep caves
had been dug, in which Emily and her companions could find shelter. The
provisions had also been stored in them. All our arms were loaded. A
number of bamboo stakes had likewise been formed, their points
projecting out between the palisades to prevent the pirates from
climbing over them. Our return quickly restored the spirits of the
party. Emily threw herself into my arms and burst into tears, and Grace
followed her example.

We had now a time of great anxiety. In spite of it, however, I was very
glad when Mr Thudicumb proposed that we should pipe to supper.

"I never knew people fight so well on empty stomachs as on full ones;
and as we may have sharp work before the morning, it will be wise if we
fall to while we can," he remarked.

I found that during our absence Roger Trew had led the way to the well,
and brought up an ample supply of water to last us for some time. Thus
our fort was pretty well stored; and even should the pirates lay siege
to it, we might be able to hold out for some time.

"By-the-b