"Savages! They are after us in their canoes!"
The young diver spoke the truth. There, at no great distance from the island shore, were two long war canoes, each filled with the enemy.
As soon as the savages discovered the whites they set up a mad yell of delight, and then hurried in pursuit of our friends.
CHAPTER XXIII
ON THE SHIP ONCE MORE
"We are in for it now!" cried Dave, as he watched the approach of the two war canoes loaded down with savages.
"It certainly looks like it," muttered Captain Broadbeam, grimly. "Well, a man can die but once, and we had better fight to the bitter end."
"That is true," came from Doctor Barrell. "But I am afraid that three against two dozen or more will make a poor showing."
The savages now became aware that they were discovered, and they set up a fierce shout. Those at the long sweeps began to row more swiftly than ever, as if thirsting for the blood of the whites.
"If we only had a gun or two," said Dave. "But we haven't a thing."