He had reached the tree and bounded on beyond it.
The brigands were coming in the rear, but Harding dashed down a steep incline and plunged into a thick jungle.
On the other hand, Frank Reade, Jr., had succeeded in reaching the high ground which was his objective point.
The Kite could from here be seen not two miles away rocking at her anchor.
The sound of the firing came up on the wind to Barney and Pomp.
“Begorra, av I’m not mistaken there’s a bit av a ruction going on over there!” cried the Celt.
“Golly! dat am right, I reckon!” agreed Pomp. “Amn’t dat de smoke of de guns yender?”
“Bejabers, let’s take a luk at it.”
Barney came from the cabin with a glass. He brought it to bear upon the smoke.
Then upon an eminence beyond he saw the form of a man making excited gestures.