Poor little Pansy was trembling and shaking with fear as she looked up
and saw that high up on the walls of the fort those savage, wild animals
had taken their stand.

It was a terrible morning, and hope seemed at last to fade, for even
brave Tom had grown faint and weary, and could fight but little longer.




CHAPTER IX


"Come along, Professor! Come along, Mate! The children are there
somewhere, over in that strange island. Ha! here is a bridge of rocks!
Thank goodness for that! And look! here, too, are tracks!"

It was Uncle Staysail who spoke, and behind him was 'Fessor Pete himself,
and at least a dozen well-armed sailors.

"Listen!" cried the captain. "What is that?"

"Wolves, I think," said the professor. "And hark! surely that was a
rifle-shot. Pray Heaven we may be in time, Staysail!"

"Hurry up, men! Hurry up!" cried the captain; and the men dashed onwards.

* * * * *

Tom had revived a little, and he and Frank were fighting harder than ever