The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1889-06-28

They seemed to realize that the deadly
ammunition of their enemies had become
exhausted, and were preparing for
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 a 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
1T looks ter me- said Bill to himself,
as several of the sharp pointed sticks
flew past him, las 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 il | 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 delivoranco of his
fellow tourists Itwould be necessary to
reach the cabin without alarming tho
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 scheme that
would carry out his idea, and when night
fell, he had completed his arrangements
for liberatinS the tourists.
He secured all the rifles in a 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 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 captives as much
as it alarmed the natives, and for u 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
Ndb5iil oiIsit Vi utl IA lOl lib IllON-
ing about him, for the cabin was sur
rounded by savages. Butif they saw the
engineer they must have taken him for
one of their own number, and he reached
the front of the cabin in safety.
Hey, there" he whispered, rapping
lightly on the door. Its 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 and
cartridges, the captain said
Il guess we'd better start for the boat
at once. Under cover of the darkness
we are more sure to reach it, and the
noise of the whistle will show us the way
Are you all ready
YES" came in chorus from the rest,
and the door was slowly opened.
The captain went out first, followed in
turn at intervals of Il minute by Bunco,
Jack, Russell, Bill and George.
Just as the latter started, the fun b gan.
The rifles kept cracking merrily, each
succeeding report sounding nearer and
nearer to the boat, until the captain, with
Bill at his side, sprang on board, and the
ingenuity of the latter was still further
demonstrated by the preparations which
he had made for repelling boarders
Two long pieces of rubber hose, con-
Meeting with the boiling water in the
engine room, were brought into service,
and, while waiting for the remainder of
the party to come up, did valuable work
in keeping the sayages at a distance.
When the last man was ON board Bill
rushed below and started the propeller,
while Jack, in the pilot house, headed
the boat down stream.
eve are saved!" exclaimed the cap
tain, fervently. "Now let us get out of
this region as quick as possible. Ii is
hardly the sort of one for a pleasure
tour. Howard NJ. Boynton in The Ar