Andy held one of the rockets at such an angle as would send it in the midst of the party when it was fired, resting the base against a tree to avoid the recoil; but Jenkins prevented him from lighting the match until the crowd were a dozen yards beyond the entrance to the cave.
“Now give me your revolver,” the mate whispered, “and be sure to take good aim. If you miss, all that has been done will be wasted.”
The old darky, probably remembering when he had been chased by this or a similar gang, [adjusted the rocket very carefully, and then ignited the fuse]. At the same instant Jenkins discharged every barrel of the revolver, aiming low to avoid killing any outright, and this portion of the scheme was a perfect success.
“Andy adjusted the rocket and ignited the fuse.” [See page 136].
The rocket plowed its way through the entire line from the rear, as if it had come out of the cave, and no less than five were thrown to the ground, while it could be seen that two of the others had received the attention of bullets.
Those who were uninjured fled at the utmost speed into the thicket, screaming with terror, and heeding not the cries of their companions, who were begging for assistance.
The leaders yelled louder than their followers, and thought only of their own safety, while all hands dropped everything which might impede their flight.
In the foliage a short distance from where the overturned ones were lying, the rocket, caught among the branches, hissed and sparkled, causing the most intense desire on the part of those remaining to leave that particular portion of the island as quickly as possible.
While scrambling to their feet they did not cease to scream at the full strength of their lungs, and once they were in a condition to run, every man sought the shelter of the bushes.