The doctor said nothing, but supported him all he could, and they started again, with Jack leading and the sailors forming their rear-guard, retiring in regular military fashion, dividing themselves in twos, one couple halting face to the enemy till the rest had gone on a hundred yards and halted, and then trotting or rather forcing their way along the track, to pass their companions and halt again. Moment by moment an attack was expected, but it was not made, though from time to time those in the rear caught sight of a black face peering round the trunk of a tree, showing that they were followed. At last as they descended they came to a spot where the stream in the ravine could be reached, and the wounded man drank of the cool clear water with feverish avidity, while the doctor frowned as Jack looked at him with questioning eyes. "Does take the conceit out of you, Mr Jack," said Ned, as they continued their retreat. "I did think I was a better-plucked one than this. Talk about a weak 'un; I'm downright ashamed of myself." "Don't talk so much, my man," said the doctor. "Keep your breath for the exertion." "Cert'nly, sir. That's right," said the man in quick, excited tones. "Won't say another word, only this. I should like to have just one pop at the chap who shot me, and hit him in the same place. I'm ashamed to see you working so hard, Mr Jack, sir. How far is it down to the boat?" "About a mile, Ned; but pray do as Doctor Instow says--keep quiet." "Right, sir, I will," replied the man, setting his teeth hard, his drawn face showing the agony he was in; and they went on descending, to be startled by another heavy detonation. "Another signal," said the doctor; but the words were hardly out of his lips when there was a fresh report running up the gully, and being multiplied in echoes which gradually died away. "Those are not signals, Jack," said the doctor quietly. "It means an attack upon the yacht by the canoes." "Oh! and we not there," cried the lad excitedly. "_Well_, the more lucky for us, eh?" "Doctor Instow!" cried Jack indignantly; "when these men are wanted to help defend the vessel. Pray, pray try and walk faster, Ned." "Trying my best, sir, but I'm very shaky. Legs must be a regular pair of cowards, sir, for they won't hurry a bit. Ah!" The poor fellow reeled and would have fallen but for the doctor's strong arm supporting him and letting him gently down. Just then the regular short, sharp report of rifles reached their ears from below, announcing that there was no mistake about an attack being made upon their friends, and the anxiety of Jack and the doctor was increased as they trembled for the fate of the two men left as keepers of the boat in which they had come ashore. "I hope they have escaped back to the yacht," said the doctor. "They wouldn't do that," cried Jack indignantly. "But what is to be done? Can't we make a sort of stretcher with two of the guns?"