until the Mexicans start up again."

For, with the exception of a shot here and there from behind the
hedge, the destructive fire had ceased.

"We must have hit a few of them," chuckled Darrin to John Carmody,
who stood beside him.

"I hope you killed them all," replied the planter. "They're brutes,
when they have their own way."

"Riley!"

"Aye, aye, sir."

"Pass the word to the men and we'll slip back. I don't like the
silence behind the hedge. I suspect that the men have been withdrawn
and that we are to be flanked below the sugar mill. Tell the
men to fall back by rushes, not returning any fire unless ordered."

"Aye, aye, sir."

A moment later ten jackies were retreating. They gained the sugar
mill, and passed it.

"Hicks," called Ensign Darrin, "get your party aboard. Run for it!"

"Aye, aye, sir."

"And help this wounded man back to the launch."