From the direction of the stream which they had left but a short time
previous, and undoubtedly from the boat itself, came the reports of
firearms. There were no shouts or outcries, but the firing was rapid
and apparently made by gun and pistol.

"They have been attacked!" exclaimed Mary; "we must go to their help!"

She impulsively started along the path, but her father seized her arm
and said sternly:

"Remain here! It is no place for you; Jack and I will do what we can."

Perhaps in the excitement of the moment the parent did not fully
comprehend the danger of leaving his daughter alone in the jungle, even
at so slight a distance and for so brief a time as he anticipated, with
nothing but a revolver as a means of defence; but he and Jack Everson
were eager to rush to the aid of their friends, and they hurried over
the trail without even looking back at her.

The young man was slightly behind his companion and both broke into a
loping trot. Each held his rifle in hand, on the alert to use it the
instant the opportunity presented itself.

It will be borne in mind that the distance from the slight natural
opening to the boat was short, and a few minutes sufficed for the two
men to cover it; but a strange thing happened. The reports of firearms
which had broken out with such suddenness ceased with the same
abruptness, and the silence because of the contrast was tenfold more
oppressive than before.