"What are we to do?" asked Carl blankly.
"Follow him, I suppose," replied Mont. "Bring up the rear, Carl, while I help Stump along, and if the beasts show again, call us, and we will turn and fire."
They began to beat a retreat in this order, and, fortunately, the natives did not again make an appearance.
The half-mile was traversed quickly, Stump groaning dreadfully as he was forced along.
When within a few paces of the boat awful yells were heard behind them.
Turning to see from whence they proceeded, Mont saw a horde of savages in pursuit. The sands seemed to be alive with them.
Evidently the defeated party had returned to obtain re-enforcements and apprise their companions of the slaughter which had taken place, urging them to avenge it.
An army of at least three hundred wild-looking fiends were at their heels, and not a moment was to be lost.
"Quick, for Heaven's sake!" said Professor Woddle. "The savages are upon us. Quick, boys, or we are lost!"
The boys sprang into the boat, placing Stump in the bows, and pushed off.