The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1889-06-29

natives air guns flew so thickly that he
was unable to get a shot at them but
presently there came a hull in the one
sided bombardment, and the sharp crack
of the rife was followed by death yell
from without.
But one rifle, although it kept back for
some time the assault of the savages,
was not sufficient to drive them away,
and late in the afternoon, Jacks car
tridges having given out, the natives APP
preached nearer to the cabin.
They seemed to realize that the deadly
ammunition of their enemies had become
exhausted, and were preparing for a
hand to hand conflict, knowing that they
outnumbered the inmates of the cabin
ten to one.
But as they cautiously approached the
hut, shooting almost constantly at the
door and windows, an unexpected but
powerful reinforcement came TO the aid
of the tourists in the shape of their en-
gineer on board the launch
Bill was slow to comprehend the real
danger Of his friends position; but when
he did SO he at once made preparations
for their relief. He gathered all the
ammunition he could find into the pilot
house, and loaded nearly dozen repeat
ing rifles before commencing TO shoot.
| When he finally opened fire he was able
to keep steady stream of bullets trained
upon the savages, and this thoroughly
demoralized them and caused the major
ity to retreat precipitately from the hut
and turn their attention toward the river.
| Bill was not particularly noted for his
craftsmanship, and not more than one
in every twenty bullets took effect; but
the unceasing fire was too much for the
natives, and they broke and ran like so
many sheep.
For few minutes it looked as though
Bills plan would enable those imprisoned
in the hut to make their escape; but with
the cessation of the firing the courage of
the natives returned, and they speedily
placed the cabin between themselves and
the vessel. Then they sent half dozen
particularly good shots at the doughty
engineer.
"It looks ter me, said Bill to himself,
as several of the sharp pointed sticks
flew past him, 'as if we'd kinder got
inter hornets nest. These burned saw
ages will starve the boys out unless l can
| drive them off. guess I'll wait till after
dark and see if l can't carry some rifles
| to them"
For. some time afterwards the mind of
the engineer was busily engaged in choos-
ing from number of plans the one best
suited for the speedy deliverance of his
fellow tourists. 1t would be necessary to
reach the cabin without alarming the
savages and at the same time leave be-
hind him some indication of his presence
on board the vessel thus distracting their
attention from his expedition.
He finally perfected a scheme that
would carry out his idea, and when night
fell, he had completed his arrangements
for hberating the tourists.
He secured all the rifles in bundle
and slowed about his clothing all the
cartridges he could carry. Then he set
the whistle on the boat to blowing, tying
back the valve cord, SO as to frighten
the natives and give them to understand
that he was still on board. The vessel
was also provided with a large and reso-
nant brass bell, and the clapper of this
he connected by cord with the plung-
ing piston rod, for he had set the engine
gently to working. The result must have
puzzled and amused the captiyes as much
as it alarmed the natives, and for few
minutes not sound could be heard above
the hoarse shrek of the whistle, and the
loud ding dong of the bell.
Just as the din commenced Bill leaped
on shore with the rifles and ammunition
and set out in the darkness for the cabin.
Twice he stumbled and fell, and several
times caught sight of dark forms NOV
ing about him, for the cabin was sur
rounded by savages. Buff they saw the
engineer they must have taken him foi
one of their own number, and he reached
the front of the cabin in safety.
"Hey, there" he whispered, rappine
lightly on the door. "It's me-Bill.
The door was cautiously opened and
the engineer crawled in, receiving per
feet ovation from the prisoners.
When they had divided the rifles anc
cartridges, the captain said:
81 guess we'd better start for the boa1
at once. Under cover of the darkness
we are more sure to reach it, and the
uOlSO VI tilS WI " III BIN " uo tliC way
Are you all ready?"
"Yes," came in chorus from the rest
and the door was slowly opened.
The captain went out first, followed il
turn at intervals of a minute by Bunco
, Jack, Russell, Bill and George.
! Just as the latter started, the fun began
The rifles kept cracking merrily, eacl
! succeeding report sounding nearer anC
! nearer to the boat, until the captain, will
: Bill at his side, sprang ON board, and thu
] ingenuity of the latter was still furthe
e demonstrated by the preparations whicl
q he had made for repelling boarders.
Two long pieces Of rubber hose, con
S Meeting with the boiling water in tn
y engine room, were brought into service
and, while waiting for the remainder 0
t the party to come up, did valuable worl
i in keeping the savages at a distance
+ When the last man was on board Bill
d rushed below and started the propeller
y while Jack, in the pilot house, heade'
i the boat down stream.
}. "We are savedl" exclaimed the cap
@ cain, fervently. "Now let us get out 0
g this region as quick as possible. 1t
i hardly the sort of one for pleasur
a tour. Howard NJ. Boynton in The Al
q COSY.
r, STRANGE STORIES.