f red coral.

Alas for the fleeting nature of human joys! While Quashy was thus
evincing his delight at the unexpected recovery of his betrothed, a wild
shouting was heard, and several horsemen were seen flying over the
plains towards the huts at a speed and with an action that betokened
them the bearers of important news. They proved to be men of the
village who had encountered a large band of Indians on their way to
attack the place.

Instantly all the men of the hamlet, amounting perhaps to about fifty,
prepared for defence, placing the women and children in the huts for
safety. Of course Lawrence and his man would have volunteered their
services even if self-defence had not required that line of conduct.

We have said that the hamlet was surrounded by a shallow ditch. This
was backed by a hedge of prickly pears. Behind the hedge the men
dispersed themselves, armed with several rusty flint-lock guns, some old
swords, a few Indian spears, and other less warlike weapons.

Lawrence and Quashy took up a position at the entrance to the little
fortress, the opening of which was blocked by cactus-bushes. Their host
of the previous night stood beside them. Light though such defences
seemed, they were more effective than might have been supposed, for
Indian horses as a rule will not leap even a shallow ditch, and cannot
be made to burst through prickly pears, though, doubtless, there may be
some exceptions.

The defenders had not long to wait. Their preparations were barely
completed when horsemen were descried on the horizon, and in a very
brief space of time a band of above a hundred naked savages came
thundering down on them, uttering terrific screams or yells, and
brandishing long spears. They rode straight towards the opening in the
defences.

The chief Gaucho was evidently a man of courage, for although he knew
well that capture meant death--perhaps with torture--he stood firm
without blanching, his eyes fixed sternly on the approaching foe, and
his strong hands grasping the stock of a rusty old musket, the very look
of which might have caused anxiety to its handler.

"Now Quash," whispered Lawrence, "don't fire till I do--and keep cool."

"Yes, massa. I's cool as a lump o' hice."

The savage who led the assailants was a tall, powerful fellow on a
splendid horse. When within about sixty yards of the defences he
levelled his spear and made a tremendous rush as if resolved to bear
down all obstacles.