s shelter was reached
it became evident that the scare caused by the explosion had died out,
for by the light of the burning ruins the flash of a spear-head could be
seen every now and then at the jungle-edge, and as the enemy once more
gathered as if for a rush, their threatening yells grew plain.

"Well, young Maine," said the Major slowly, as he passed his hand over
his grizzled moustache just as Archie was going round from post to post,
"this seems rather hard for you."

"For me, sir?" said the lad, gazing at his commanding officer
wonderingly.

"Yes, because you are such a young fellow. There, go on. Don't let the
men waste a cartridge, for they must be made to last until one or the
other of our detachments comes in--I hope well supplied, for if they've
been using what they have, they will be in just as bad state as we are."

"Oh, they'll be coming in soon, sir," said Archie cheerily.

"I don't know. I hope so, my lad, for everybody's sake; but it's tough
work getting through the jungle--and there, look at that! These fellows
have plenty of pluck, or they wouldn't expose themselves as they do. I
expect to find that we have very little more ball-cartridge. Well, it
will be bayonet against spear, and if it were only equal sides I should
back our lads. As it is, Maine, we must hope, and pray for our lads to
come in with a run. Have you any idea what time it is, my lad?"

"No, sir. But it can't be near morning yet."

"I suppose not. There, let's go and see how the Doctor's getting on
with his new patient. You are right, my lad; I am sure now. You young
fellows jump at a thing directly. We old fellows want a good deal of
thought over anything before we will accept it as a fact."

"Are you looking for anything, sir?" asked Archie, as the Major walked
close to the window and stood looking out.

"Yes, my lad; I was looking for morning, and I can't see it yet.--Why,
what--" The Major went heavily against the side of the window, as a
result of a violent thrust from Archie, who swung out his sword and
struck up the shaft of a spear with one cut, sending the spear to stick
into the upper framework of the window, his next stroke being delivered
with the pommel of his sword crash into the temple of a Malay who had
crept up in the darkness and made two thrusts at the gallant old
soldier, who said dryly, as one of his men made a thrust with his
bayonet and rendered the treacherous enemy _hors de combat_.

"