This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
ENTERPRISE AND ADVENTURE.
221

wrenched from his wound, and his haversack drawn closely over it, that neither his own party nor the natives might see it; and he advanced again steadily to the rock. The man became alarmed, and threatened him with his club, yelling furiously; but as he neared the rock behind which, all but his head and arms were covered, he flew towards an adjoining one, "dodging" dexterously, according to the native manner of confusing an assailant and avoiding the cast of his spear; but he was scarcely uncovered in his flight, when a rifle-ball pierced him through the back, and he fell heavily on his face with a deep groan. The effect was electrical. The tumult of the combat had ceased; not another spear was thrown, nor another yell uttered. Native after native dropped away and noiselessly disappeared.

The natives had all now concealed themselves, but they were not far off. Presently the wounded man made an effort to raise himself slowly from the ground. Some of them instantly came from behind the rocks and trees, without their spears, crowding round him with the greatest tenderness and solicitude; two passed their arms round him, his head drooped senselessly upon his chest, and, with hurried steps, the whole party wound their way through the forest, their black forms being scarcely distinguishable from the charred trunks of the trees, as they receded in the distance.

Mr. Grey was still in great danger. He retreated from the place after a time, but fell from loss of blood, while still two miles from the camp. Coles went for aid, leaving his superior with the other man, whose helpless timidity had caused the whole disaster, from emboldening the natives to the attack. Mr. Grey lay with his