into their very midst, every missile telling on the limb or body of one
or more! The effect was electrical and the slaughter large.

The astonished savages rapidly gathered up their wounded companions and
returned to the jungle once more. At first this terrible slaughter among
them seemed to deter them from the idea of a second attack, but the loud
report of the gun rapidly augmented the numbers of the blacks, until
they made a second onslaught, with almost precisely the same effect.
They could scale the stockade only on this side, while on the other, or
opposite side, Captain Ratlin kept up such a deadly and accurate fire of
musketry, that every one who approached the buildings was sure to
forfeit his life. It was fortunate that this arrangement had been made,
for the negroes twice attempted to set the dwellings on fire from the
rear, but were instantly repulsed by Captain Ratlin's double-barrelled
gun, which was ready loaded by his side, and which he used with fearful
accuracy of aim on every approaching object.

The negroes seemed to be wrought up to such a state of excitement that
they would not give over their purpose, though it involved such immense
risk and sacrifice of life, and the attack was continued, at intervals,
far into the morning, and long after the regular course of duty, until
at last the negroes divided their mutilated numbers into four parties,
and it was evidently their last and most determined attempt. They did
not hurry this, but seemed to pause and take refreshments and rest for a
couple of hours, when once more the onslaught commenced, and the
inhabitants of the stockade found it a desperate fight, and one even of
doubtful result, if long continued as it began.

"Keep the black imps clear, don, for a short half-hour longer, and it
will be all up with them," shouted Captain Ratlin, from the rear. "I see