listening to his explanation of their uneasiness.

"I will rouse the chief," replied Duff. "You had better rejoin Ben and
wait for me there. If some enemy is really prowling around, our first
duty, after alarming these people, is to defend our boat."

"Hadn't I better remain with you?" suggested Ralph, with the idea that
the greatest danger was in lingering on shore.

"You had better obey orders, lad," returned the mate, not unkindly,
however.

Ralph accordingly gathered the bedding in a bundle and stole down to
the boat, the bow of which was drawn upon the gravelly bank. Hardly
had he reached it when a series of hideous yells issued from the forest
on every side, and a rush of unknown forms could be dimly seen making
for the huddle of huts near the river.

Other figures of men, women, and children, naked and all but
defenseless, emerged from their egg-shaped shelters, some fighting as
best they could, others flying, and all apparently surrounded by a band
of vociferous demons.

"Ben," called Ralph, "keep the boat with your gun. I must go and see
what has become of Mr. Duff."

He sprang ashore, but had hardly climbed the bank when the mate
appeared rifle in hand, cool and collected.

"They are surprised by some predatory party of savages," said Duff. "I