“No doubt they are; but I imagine they are after us at this particular time. Remember we attacked, or rather their party attacked us three days ago. They are sending us an answer,” said John.
“If I am not mistaken there will be the most terrible mix-up this island has ever witnessed.” And Blakely danced around as though he enjoyed the prospect. Evidently the besiegers had not noticed the approach of the new element from the north, for they were now preparing to renew the combat.
New positions were taken, and the constant communications between the two tribes were witnessed by the little party within the fort. At a signal the attacking parties advanced from all directions. John and Sutoto were on the south side; Harry and Tom on the north side in the wagon; Muro, Ralph and Chump on the east, and George and Blakely on the west side.
Thus eight guns were in the hands of the defenders, leaving twenty guns as reserves. As before, they approached close enough to discharge their arrows, and then began the grand rush.
“Take careful aim and fire,” cried John. The volley came like a crash. They were stunned.
“Reload, and keep cool,” came the second command. The party halted, and the indecision was long enough to gain time for the second shot, before they recovered and began the second concerted action.
“They are coming again; fire as rapidly as you can and follow it up with one of the reserve guns.”
The third shot came when they were within fifty feet of the wagon, and at this distance every shot counted.
“Let one reload and the other fire, and make every shot count.”
John was in earnest now. One shot now followed the other, and the warriors could not understand it. Without an order they turned and fled beyond reach of the bullets.