The sudden action and the weight of his body in his leap drove the Malay from his hold, and, freed thus from one enemy, Murray made another desperate effort as Ned rolled over, got his right arm free, dashed his fist into his enemy’s face, and sprang up.
“Now!” he panted, “all together for the boat.”
He was striking out right and left now with nature’s weapons, sending one man down, and keeping others at bay.
“Where’s Ned?” he panted.
“Never mind me, uncle; run!” cried the boy.
“By-and-by,” muttered Murray, striking out again and repeating his nephew’s manoeuvre, but with the addition of a blow on the ear which knocked over the man seated on Ned.
“Now then, are you ready?” cried Murray, as Ned sprang up; and the Malays now gathered together, and after a few moments pause: “Look out!” cried Murray, “spears!” for the enemy were coming on again. But at that moment the doctor and Mr Braine pressed to the front, and four flashes, followed by the sharp reports of their revolvers, checked the assailants for the moment, and the party began to retreat rapidly.
But shouting excitedly now, the Malays pressed on, and two spears whistled by the ears of the retreating party.
“Ah, ye cowards!” cried a familiar voice; “tak that then,” and shot after shot was rapidly fired, one of which was followed by a hoarse cry, and a man went down.
“Sure, I forgot all about it before,” said Tim; “and I hadn’t so much as a shtick.”