ARGE LAKE--A
FRIENDLY CHIEF--JOURNEY CONTINUED--THE COAST REACHED--AN ENGLISH BRIG IN
THE HARBOUR.

The party consisting of Tom Rogers, Gerald Desmond, and Billy
Blueblazes, with Casey, Peter, and the two Papuans, Nick and Pipes, had
penetrated a considerable distance to the south-west, when they heard
the sound of hot firing in the rear. The midshipmen proposed at once
returning to rejoin their friends, but Pipes, in great alarm, pointed
out the probability that the Papuans had got between them and the
English, and that they would to a certainty, should such be the case, be
attacked and killed before they could regain the beach. Nick joined his
entreaties to those of his countryman, and offered to steal forward and
ascertain the position of the two parties, begging his friends to remain
concealed behind some rocks and thick bushes until his return. The
sound of firing continued. From the nature of the volleys it was
evident that two parties were engaged, and that the Papuans must possess
a considerable number of muskets. Tom, therefore, thought it prudent to
agree to Nick's proposal. He and his companions accordingly concealed
themselves in the spot proposed, while Nick hurried forward in the
direction of the firing. Tom and Desmond considered that it must have
been further off than they had at first supposed. As Nick did not
re-appear, they at last began to fear that he had been caught by the
enemy, or had perhaps deserted to them. They suggested this to Pipes,
who replied, "No, no; he good man; come back!"

"I wish that we had run for it, and tried to reach the shore," said
Desmond.

"We might have been knocked on the head had we made the attempt,"
answered Tom; "but should we be discovered by the enemy we will sell our
lives dearly, if we can but get possession of one of those rocks near us
and hold it until our ammunition is expended."

"Oh dear? how dreadful!" exclaimed Billy. "I'm thankful to say,
however, that I brought away a powder flask quite full, and an
ammunition pouch, so that we may hold out for some hours; and I hope by
that time our friends will come to our rescue."

They waited for nearly an hour longer. Again there came the sound of
even sharper firing than before, though it seemed further off. Pipes
now and then crept out of his hiding-place to ascertain if any one was
approaching, a proceeding, had such been the case, which would very
likely have betrayed him.

"Here come Nick!