The rippling waves rolled the child on the beach, as if they
refused to be a party in such a foul murder, and we could observe
that the little one still lived.

The young girl was now brought forward, and the chief addressed
her; but although we heard his voice, and even the words
distinctly, of course we could not understand what he said. The
girl made no answer to his fierce questions, and we saw by the way
in which he pointed to the fire that he threatened her life.

"Peterkin," said Jack in a hoarse whisper, "have you got your
knife?"

"Yes," replied Peterkin, whose face was pale as death.

"That will do. Listen to me, and do my bidding quick. Here is the
small knife, Ralph. Fly both of you through the bush, cut the
cords that bind the prisoners and set them free. There! quick, ere
it be too late. Jack sprang up, and seized a heavy but short
bludgeon, while his strong frame trembled with emotion, and large
drops rolled down his forehead.

At this moment the man who had butchered the savage a few minutes
before advanced towards the girl with his heavy club. Jack uttered
a yell that rang like a death-shriek among the rocks. With one
bound he leaped over a precipice full fifteen feet high, and,
before the savages had recovered from their surprise, was in the
midst of them; while Peterkin and I dashed through the bushes
towards the prisoners. With one blow of his staff Jack felled the
man with the club, then, turning round with a look of fury, he