Again the three guns were discharged. The execution was terrible in the centre of the black line, but the flanks still kept on.
"Now, captain, get your men together," Nat said to the civilian officer who was standing beside him; "if you go to the right I will go to the left. They won't hear our voices in this din."
Another half-minute and the soldiers and volunteers were running at the top of their speed, but keeping well together, towards the town. They had a hundred and fifty yards' start, and also the advantage that the blacks had been coming forward at a run for over half a mile. Therefore, although the latter came on with yells of triumph and exultation, they did not gain on the little party. Indeed, when they once entered the native town the French considerably increased their distance, for the negroes, fearing that they might fall into an ambush, came along more carefully.
"Post your men at the windows of the houses opposite to you," Nat said to the French lieutenant.
"Did you send your messenger on?" he asked, as he ran up to the volunteer officer.
The latter gave an exclamation of horror.
"No, I forgot all about it."
"So did I, or I should have reminded you of it. Give it to one of the men now, and tell him to take it as hard as he can run. Tell your men off in threes and fours to the houses opposite. I have no doubt we can keep them in check till help comes."
Thompson was waiting in the street as the party ran up.
"Where have you posted your men?" Nat asked him.