“Then we are lucky, my lads,” said Dick, gaily. “A slug is nothing. I have one somewhere about my ribs, and it gave me quite a nasty knock. But I am sure it has not penetrated. Then no one needs to be carried, and none are bleeding to death. Good! We will advance. Now, we will go by one of these paths, and we will keep a careful watch in front and rear as well as to either side. Jack, take the advance, please. I will go to the right, for I am more used to the forests. Keep a bright look-out, as these fellows are fond of an ambush.”
Once more they sprang to their feet and went into the forest, but on this occasion they were able to follow a native path. Still, their progress was slow, for the men who scrambled through the underwood, seeking for the enemy, could, naturally, not get along as rapidly as those in the open. At length, however, the party emerged from the forest, and came upon the breast-high bush which the Houssas and West Indians were attacking, and from the sounds proceeding from it made sure that the enemy were then rapidly retreating.
“Then we will help them,” said Dick. “Can you men run a little farther?”
There was an emphatic nod from all as he asked the question.
“Then we will make for the edge higher up and see what we can do. Double!”
A few minutes later the firing taking place on their left warned them that they were now level with the lurking enemy, and at once they came to a halt.
“Take post in the trees on this side,” came the order. “Then you will be able to see down into the bush and clear it. Smartly, lads, for there will be people watching us.”
He could not have set the sailors a more enjoyable task. They slung their rifles, and at once set to work to swarm into the trees which grew so plentifully close at hand. Then one gave a lusty shout.
“There they are, sir,” he cried, “and I can see our own troops.”
“Then take care that they don’t see you, or you may be shot by mistake. Now, make every bullet tell.”