It was not necessary for the boys to advise Jenkins to move quickly, since he was quite as eager as they to have the desperate affair settled.
That he should feel nervous was not to be wondered at, for he realized fully how many chances there were against success, and in case of a triumph, bought at the expense of a dangerous wound to one or the other of the boys, the mate knew only too well that Captain Mansfield would bring him to a rigid accounting.
“This is where I’m bound to get the worst of it anyhow,” he muttered to himself as he crept forward to a cleared spot, where it would be possible to use the revolver to advantage, “an’ I don’t know as it makes much difference how the thing turns out. If we get the best of it here, we’ve got to settle with the sailors, who, if any amount of treasure has been found, will be ripe for mischief.”
Then, as if in desperation, he leveled his weapon, gave the signal for all to be ready, and fired three shots in rapid succession.
The boys followed his example, except, perhaps, that they did not take as careful aim, for the idea of shooting, with intent to kill, at a human being, was, despite the gravity of the situation, something at which their better nature revolted.
The reports of the weapons rang out in a scattering fashion, causing it to sound as if ten instead of three men were firing, and, as the smoke arose, preventing any view of the enemy, Jenkins shouted:
“Now for it, boys!”
The little party dashed across the cleared space without knowing what effect the bullets had had.
A cheer went up from Gil as the greater number of the enemy were seen fleeing into the cave, each man so determined to gain a place of safety first that the entrance was literally choked, and those who were prevented from entering could do no less than turn at bay.
“We’ve frightened ’em too much!” Jenkins cried as he dashed toward Andy, hoping to sever his bonds while the blacks were yet panic-stricken, and the words were hardly spoken when he found his progress barred by two burly fellows who had come to a halt at the mouth of the cavern where their companions were packed so closely that it was impossible for them to take another step forward.