Year: 1875

were, the mob rushed ike the repeate


surges Of tidal wave.


The sailor who had been steerin


sprang into the nizzen rigging with


yell Of fright, thinking to make goo


his escape aloft, but the report of


musket rang out sharply, and the sailo


with convulsive movement sprahg in


to space. and fell headlong into the sea


Amid the din and uproar Maynar'


heard the voice of Captain Sylveste


calling upon him to jump through gh th


sky-light


Jump, my lad, and bear hand.
have the cabin doors barricaded p


The mate required no second bidding


With shout to the second mate to fol
low, be sprang through the frail struc
ture, and the next instant the two off
GERS were side by side with Sylvester
who hurriedly thrust into their hands
loaded revolver apiece.


All of the above had occurred ir
much less time than it has taken to re-
late it. Almost in an instant the cool
les had gained possession of the nobl,
ship. driven the unfortunate seamer
overheard, and murdered those upor
whom they could lay hands, and equally
as prompt had been the movements o.
the officers aft. There was no time fol
congratulations, the aperture above
their heads was darkened for moment
by huge coolie, who was on the poin'
Of leaping after the fugitives, when the
crack of Maynard's revolver saved him
the trouble, and he fell headlong into
the cabin Another and another fol-
lowed in quick succession, but not q
Chinanan succeeded in gaining an en-
trance alive


The harsh, excited voice of the rene
gade Chinaman was heard urging his
followers on to the assault but he took
care not to expose his body to the un-
erring fire of the officers, while be in
cited his turbulent gang to fresh efforts
by picturing to their excited fancy the
immense amount of gold slowed away
in the cabin.


With yell Of haffied rage the coolies
renewed the assault but this time their
efforts were directed against the doors
of the forward cabin. They speedily
yielded to the shower of blows, and in
a few moments were reduced to so many
splinters. But Captain Sylvester had
not been idle after recovering from the
blow dealt him by his steward. Every
available piece Of furniture, heavy
tables, chests and movable articles had
been converted into barricade which
effectually resisted the furious attempts
of the now thoroughly aroused mob.


In black, living waves they surged
up to the barrier, shrieking and crying,
brandishing the weapons they had i'm
provised and although the situation
was appalling, with all the chances
against them, the two white men never
faltered, while Sylvester stood guard
over the exposed skylight in the after
cabin.


Maynard and his companion fired
with a cool. collected aim over the
friendly cover, and at every discharge
a coolie passed to his last account.
Their cries of fiendish rage rent the air
with redoubled violence at being SO long
balked Of their prey, while their leader,
the steward, danced and capered
about like lunatic.


The dead bodies of the coolies lay
piled one across another, the survivors
making no attempt to assist their
wounded comrades. Their ardor had
been dampened by the severe check
they had sustained, and retiring from
the scene of the conflict, they held a
hurried consultations respite that was
made the most of by Maynard and bis
companion in repairing and strengthen
ing the barricade, which bad suffered
somewhat from the frantic efforts of the
mob.


An ominous silence had fallen upon
the ship. which BODIED no good to the
three resolute men who held possession
of the cabin. With anxious hearts and
fingers pressing the triggers Of their fire.
arms they stood straining both ears and
eyes to discover what might be going
on among their enemies. Scarcely a
word had been exchanged between
them. but many an expressive glance
had been mutely answered, while in
the hearts of all was a nameless dread
and anxiety as to the finale of the affair
which. if it resulted in victory for the
coolies, would seal their doom.


Suddenly sim ultaueous yell burst
from the hoarse throats of the gang,
followed by united rush which shook
the vessel


Look to the cabin doors, Maynard ;
will take care of the skylight!" shout
ed Sylvester, in an undaunted tone
and again the crash of firearms, min
gled with cries of pain, resounded
through the ship.