Part 29 (1/2)

The Fireland warrior full grown is not a giant, but sometimes very powerful, and far more hardy than could be believed possible, going almost stark naked even in winter--when at work, at all events; that is, when hunting, fis.h.i.+ng, rowing, or running.

This is a digression, but it is necessary to show the kind of enemy we had so soon to meet in battle. I must digress further to the extent of a few words, and tell you that Jill was an excellent swordsman. We had a good tutor in our father, and my brother and I were always at sword exercise when at home and not doing either work or mischief. Many a hard knock we had given each other, but I rejoice to add we never lost our tempers.

”You feel sure we'll have a go at these n.i.g.g.e.rs to-night, Mr Ritchie, if I may make so bold?”

This was a question put to our captain shortly after the moon had risen.

”As sure as that I'm looking at the moon,” said Ritchie.

”And what think you will be the upshot?”

”It'll be a _down_-shot to begin with,” replied Ritchie, by way of making a grim joke.

”But, Lawlor lad, I'm half afraid the Fuegians will have the upper hand, drat 'em!”

”And we'll all be scuppered?”

”We're all in the hands of Providence,” said Ritchie.

”'Cause I've a sweetheart,” said Lawlor.

”And I've a mother,” said another man.

”And I,” said another, ”have a wife and the prettiest baby ever opened blue eyes.”

”I have neither kith nor kin,” said Wrexham, a tall young giant of a fellow. ”I'm going to lay about me a bit by and by; and look here, lads, I wouldn't mind dying for the lot of you.”

”Don't talk thus,” said Ritchie. ”Let each of us now say a bit of a prayer to himself.”

There was silence for the s.p.a.ce of five minutes; then we all stood up, and there and then, as if by one common impulse, we shook hands all round. We felt better now. We even wished the foe would come, but we knew also that when they did commence the attack, it would be in silence and with suddenness.

A whole hour went by. No one spoke much. We just hung about the cave mouth, occasionally giving a look to see our arms were in perfect order and array. Now and then Jill went into the cave and talked with the dogs as if they were human beings. I think he did so simply to pa.s.s the time.

I was wondering in what particular way the battle would commence, and what would be the peculiar incidents connected with it, when Ritchie suddenly clutched my arm and gazed seawards. A bright light was visible far out in the offing. A bright white light. Could it be that a.s.sistance was at hand?

Presently all was dark on the sea again, except for the quivering lines of moonlight on the waters. But next minute a bright crimson glare was thrown over the water. They were burning a red light. It was a signal undoubtedly.

”Can we make them hear, I wonder?” said Ritchie. ”I think we can. The night is still, and the wind is off the sh.o.r.e.”

We waited till the red light had quite burned out, then fired a volley, that went reverberating away up among the hills and rocks like thunder, and must have been heard far and near.

The savages must have seen that signal too, for now came a shower of arrows, which we fain would have replied to had we seen an object to fire at. We took shelter within the inner rampart, well knowing they would soon appear in the outer.

We were not disappointed. Heads and spears were seen above our first line of defence.

”Steady, men!”

The volley we gave them must have been effective. There was silence among the foe no longer, but the wildest and most unearthly yells.

Again and again did they try to storm our outer defence. Again and again were they hurled down and back.

Our little fort seemed impregnable. Hope was in our hearts now. We had only to hold our position, and a.s.sistance would soon be with us.