Keeping still under cover, the whole party hurried forward towards the river, prepared at any moment to use their rifles if necessary. They could see the Trauco woman was gaining on Aniwee, who, fleet as a deer as she was, was of course hampered by the weight of the child. As she reached the river’s bank she looked back, and perceived her pursuer close behind her, but could make nothing of the reconnoitring party. What should she do? The river was her only refuge.
There was not a moment for hesitation. Grasping her child’s hair in her mouth, she sprung in and struck out for the opposite bank; at the same time she heard a rifle shot ping forth, and knew by that, that her comrades were endeavouring to protect her retreat. Aniwee was a magnificent swimmer, and she was also strong and active. She sent herself along through the water with quick powerful strokes, and would have proceeded at a faster rate than she did, only the baby would struggle and cry, which impeded her movements greatly. She could hear sharp firing now, and a movement of rushing water behind her. A big, powerful Trauco was following in her wake. As she reached the opposite bank, she heard a bullet strike the water, and looking back perceived that her pursuer was close behind. Fear gave lightning speed to her limbs, and she flew along the side of the river at an amazing pace. She could see her companions on the opposite side retiring in good order, and she determined to make an effort to rejoin them. Springing once more into the river, she again struck out for the opposite shore, holding her child in a similar manner to that before adopted. But even as she plunged in she could hear the splash of the Trauco behind her, and she groaned with anguish as she felt that he must overtake her.
“Try hard, try hard, Aniwee!” she heard Topsie call out; and she clenched her teeth, and summoned all her energies for a final effort. As she did so her white friend fired, the rushing sound behind her ceased, and she knew that the progress of her pursuer had been stayed. Six more strokes, and she was on the side of the bank once more, and clambering up its sides.
The Traucos were gathering fast, and their gold-headed arrows were beginning to do execution. One had struck Topsie’s leg, and another pierced Piñone’s shoulder. It was clear that they must take refuge in the forest, and beat as hasty a retreat as possible, or more serious injury might be done. Indeed, matters looked black and ugly enough, and Sir Francis found himself earnestly wishing for the reinforcements, which Lady Vane would at once bring up, as soon as she heard the firing.
As they dived into the jungle they could hear loud trumpetings in the distance, which warned them of the approach of another body of assailants. Up till then the order had been to endeavour to wound without killing these hairy beings, but now self-preservation held uppermost sway, and several Traucos bit the dust, to rise no more.
As they fell, their comrades surrounded them, wonder dilating their eyes. The ping and noise of the rifle had not alarmed them, for they apparently ascribed it to human agencies; but when they saw their species stretched out dead, and no sign of the missile which had inflicted death visible, the effect was extremely subduing. Indeed, they loitered so long round their fallen brothers, that the refugees were able to put a good distance between the pursuers and themselves.
But the Traucos had no idea of giving up the chase, and being joined by those in their rear, they again advanced, headed this time by their chief or king. Piñone at once recognised him as the Trauco who had assumed authority after the Trauco queen’s death, and he rightly judged, that the loss of this leader would signally discomfit the hairy tribe.
Nevertheless shooting these brave and mysterious people was extremely antagonistic to Sir Francis’ feelings, as well as to Topsie’s, and it was with a heavy heart that the former issued orders for a fresh fusillade so soon as the Traucos came within reach once more.
An unexpected diversion made this unnecessary, and interfered to protect their retreat. Loud yells of a most ghastly and ferocious nature suddenly broke forth on their left, and looking in that direction, they beheld advancing some thirty hairy forms, armed with large and formidable-looking clubs.
“Good God!” burst from Sir Francis, “we are surrounded. Fire all, and quickly.”