"In spite of the danger and the sudden surprise, our fellows enjoyed it, for they had the pleasure of driving the scoundrels out of their own camp, and they had to put up with the shelter of the trees all night. They made four savage attacks upon us, though, and the first time, from too much ground having been covered by the breast-work, the enemy nearly carried all before them, and it came to bayonetting and the spears getting home; but our brave lads drove them back, and then a few volleys sent them in to cover. "The next time they attacked, the major and a dozen of the soldiers were ready to help a little. They were too ill to do much, but they held their pieces and made a show of bayonets, and the major managed to take the command. "The next time we all of us managed to make a show of fighting; while a couple of hours after, when the enemy made their last and most savage attack, they got such a warm reception that they let us have the rest of the night in peace." "And this morning, then, you began to retreat!" "Yes," the major said, "there was nothing else for it." "But why not have retreated by the way we came?" said the doctor. "Because, my dear fellow, the whole country's up, and this was the only way open. If we had gone by the track our fellows would have been speared one by one, for the jungle is too dense to skirmish through. But here's Linton; he will tell you better than I can." As the retreat continued, the rear-guard being always closely engaged with the Malays, who pressed upon them incessantly, Mr Linton came up, begrimed with powder, and shook hands. "This is a horrible affair, doctor!" he said sadly. "Don't say horrible," said the other, cheerfully. "We shall fight our way through to the river." "I hope so," said Mr Linton. "But we have scarcely any provisions. Not more, certainly, than a day or two's rations. That is bad enough; but you do not understand my anxiety. We have let ourselves be drawn into a trap, and the whole country rises against us." "Let it rise," said the doctor, sturdily; "we'll knock it down again." "But the residency, man--the steamer!" "Phew!" whistled the doctor. "I had forgotten them." "I had not," said Mr Linton, sadly, "and I fear the worst." "Keep up your spirits, man. There are those on the island, and aboard that steamer, who will keep every Malay in the country at bay." "If they are not overcome by treachery, as we nearly were." "We must hope then," said the doctor; "hope that those in charge will be more on the alert. I say, though, Linton, did you give these people credit for such a trick?" "Yes; for I have had more experience of them than you; and I blame myself most bitterly for not being more cautious." "Regrets are vain," said the doctor. "Let's do all we can to make up for our lapse--if lapse it has been."