The ball struck the stern of the leading war canoe, and the craft began immediately to fill with water.
The yelling was terrific, for the natives were taken completely by surprise.
As the first of the canoes began to sink, those on board leaped into the water.
Some started for the other canoe, but the majority swam toward shore, thinking that the second craft would soon be served like the first.
But the natives on the shore were not yet daunted, and with another yell they let fly a shower of arrows at those in the rowboat.
"Down!" cried Captain Broadbeam, and all hurled themselves to the bottom of the craft.
It was well that they did this, for the arrows must otherwise have killed one or more of them.
Boom! A third shot from the Swallow was now directed at those on shore.
The aim was a good one and two natives were seen to pitch forward, to rise no more.
Seeing this, the others took to their heels with all speed and disappeared into the jungle.