As he spoke the colored man was seen clambering up out of the companion way. He gave one look at the wild natives who swarmed over the ship, and then, with a yell to be heard a long way off, disappeared below.
The shouts and cries of the savages grew louder and they seemed to be doing a sort of war dance.
"We must make one effort to drive them away," said the professor in desperation.
"We haven't even a revolver," spoke Andy.
"Let's use stones," suggested Jack, grabbing up a handful from the beach.
"Look out!" yelled Mark. "They are going to shoot some arrows!"
A second later a flight of the weapons filled the air. Fortunately the natives were too far away to permit the shots taking effect, but it showed that they intend to fight and take possession of the ship.
Even this did not frighten Mr. Henderson. His vessel was more than life to him and he kept on. Several arrows fell dangerously close and he might have been hurt had not old Andy run after him and induced him to go farther up the beach and out of harm's way.
"They will kill Washington!" cried Jack as he thought of the colored man at the mercy of the savages.
"There he comes!" yelled Mark.