Part 25 (2/2)

The gunwale of the little boat was almost level with the water.

It was slow work.

Luckily, nearly all the enemies' spears were exhausted.

An arrow pierced Bob's cap, and the last spear which was thrown again wounded the captain, piercing his leg.

Fortunately the distance was so far that it only entered about an inch and fell out from its own weight.

Our hero and the captain clambered on board the schooner.

Jack was exhausted, but still clung to his bag of silver.

Scarcely had they gained the deck when a yell broke from the dark waters around them, and spears and arrows fell on all sides.

Every gun on board was now fired at the savages.

Yet they came on as if determined to kill every white person in sight.

Chapter XV.--Bob Rescues His Father--Conclusion.

The savages were pressing close upon the _Dart_. Something must be done.

”Slip the cable!” shouted the captain. ”Up with the jib, topgallant sails, and gaff!”

”We must trust to weathering the point,” he added to the mate. ”If we do, we are safe. The current will carry us to sea.”

His orders were executed.

The wind fortunately blew from the southward, and, filling the light sails, carried the _Dart_ off the sh.o.r.e.

The yacht's head paid off, and, answering her helm, she, with the tide in her favor, bore seaward.

A few parting shots, and the _Dart_, now feeling the full force of the wind, left the fleet of canoes far behind.

The next few hours were employed in the dressing of wounds and making things a little s.h.i.+p-shape.

It had been a hard-fought fight, and everyone was tired out.

Fortunately, neither Mrs. Cromwell nor Viola had suffered from the attack.

Long before the crew were able to do anything more darkness set in.

Bob was very impatient to trace up his father, but just now that was impossible.

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