Part 25 (1/2)

”First, let us see to the wounded,” he said, as they lay breathing heavily in the forest. ”Then we will follow hard upon the tracks of the enemy, in the hope of joining our comrades. Now, who is badly hit?”

There was no response from the tars, though he looked at each one in turn.

”Then who is. .h.i.t at all?” he asked.

”One here, sir,” was the reply from one of the l.u.s.ty fellows. ”One of those rascals struck me in the leg with his knife. He's back there, sir, for it hurt and I give 'im what for right away. It's a bit of a scratch and the surgeon will fix it up when we get back. Plenty of time, sir.”

”And I've a slug somewheres about me shoulder,” sang out another; three more acknowledging the same sort of wound, and all making light of it.

”Then we are lucky, my lads,” said d.i.c.k, gaily. ”A slug is nothing. I have one somewhere about my ribs, and it gave me quite a nasty knock.

But I am sure it has not penetrated. Then no one needs to be carried, and none are bleeding to death. Good! We will advance. Now, we will go by one of these paths, and we will keep a careful watch in front and rear as well as to either side. Jack, take the advance, please. I will go to the right, for I am more used to the forests. Keep a bright look-out, as these fellows are fond of an ambush.”

Once more they sprang to their feet and went into the forest, but on this occasion they were able to follow a native path. Still, their progress was slow, for the men who scrambled through the underwood, seeking for the enemy, could, naturally, not get along as rapidly as those in the open. At length, however, the party emerged from the forest, and came upon the breast-high bush which the Houssas and West Indians were attacking, and from the sounds proceeding from it made sure that the enemy were then rapidly retreating.

”Then we will help them,” said d.i.c.k. ”Can you men run a little farther?”

There was an emphatic nod from all as he asked the question.

”Then we will make for the edge higher up and see what we can do.

Double!”

A few minutes later the firing taking place on their left warned them that they were now level with the lurking enemy, and at once they came to a halt.

”Take post in the trees on this side,” came the order. ”Then you will be able to see down into the bush and clear it. Smartly, lads, for there will be people watching us.”

He could not have set the sailors a more enjoyable task. They slung their rifles, and at once set to work to swarm into the trees which grew so plentifully close at hand. Then one gave a l.u.s.ty shout.

”There they are, sir,” he cried, ”and I can see our own troops.”

”Then take care that they don't see you, or you may be shot by mistake.

Now, make every bullet tell.”

Perched in their trees the party could look down upon the bush, for it happened that they had halted at a spot which was elevated well above the surrounding country. To this the height to which they had climbed gave them added advantage, so much so that they could distinguish the figures of the enemy crawling and running amidst the creepers and bracken. Every now and again the Ashantis would halt and fire, running on at once, bent double, and busily engaged in putting another charge in their guns. And all the while the Houssas and West Indians, who were advancing into the bush, exposing themselves to this fire, could not see a single enemy, and were suffering severely in consequence. However, d.i.c.k and his bluejackets soon made a difference to their comfort. Their rifle shots broke the silence in that spot, and brought an answering shower of slugs from the enemy. Then, so telling was their fire, that the Ashantis broke and fled to the forest.

”Bravo! Well done! Well done, indeed, bluejackets! Who is your officer, please?”

An officer of some importance, who had been advancing with a small escort along the side of the bush, suddenly rode up, mounted on a mule, and halted beneath the trees occupied by the sailors. d.i.c.k glanced down and recognised him as one of Sir Garnet's staff, an officer of great distinction. He scrambled to the ground, rifle in hand, and advancing took off his cap.

”d.i.c.k Stapleton, sir,” he said. ”Sir Garnet put me in command of a small party, with orders to operate as well as I was able on the right flank. We heard the firing and answered.”

”Mr Stapleton. Yes; I know all about you,” was the reply, as the officer returned the salute. ”I congratulate you on the fruits of your discovery. You have given us an excellent chance of punis.h.i.+ng the enemy. Whose idea was it to take to the trees?”

”Mine, sir,” admitted d.i.c.k. ”I am in command.”

”Exactly so, my lad, and it was a smart movement. It is not every commander who would have thought of it. May I ask if you have been operating in the clearing on our right? I have just pa.s.sed through it.”

d.i.c.k again admitted the fact, and described in a few words what had happened.

”Not all quite so simple as you imagine, or as you have stated,” was the hearty answer. ”You give all the credit to your men. Quite right, sir.