Page:Adrift in the Pacific, Sampson Low, 1889.djvu/170

 without being jolted, and Service and Wilcox made a litter of boughs, on which they laid him, still unconscious. Then four of his companions gently bore it, while the others walked on either side with guns loaded, and revolvers in hand.

They made straight for Auckland Hill. Better that than following the path along the lake. Nothing happened to interfere with them. Sometimes Donagan would give such a painful sigh that Gordon would signal a halt, in order to listen to the respiration, and a moment afterwards they would resume their progress.

Three-quarters of an hour had gone, and they were close to French Den, although the door was hidden by a shoulder of the cliff.

Suddenly there was a shout from Zealand River, and Fan sprang off towards it.

French Den was being attacked by Walston and his two companions. While Rock, Cope, and Pike lay in ambush in Trap Woods, Walston, Brandt, and Cook had climbed Auckland Hill, up the dry bed of the torrent that fed Dike Creek. Rapidly running along the ridge, they had descended the gorge opening on to the river near the store-room, and then, with a rush, had forced the door, which had not been barricaded. Would Evans come up soon enough?

His plan was formed instantly. Leaving Cross, Webb, and Garnett to guard Donagan, who could not be left alone, he, with Gordon, Briant, Service, and Wilcox took the shortest cut to the cave.

In a few strides they could see the terrace, where a sight met their eyes that almost drove them to despair. Walston was coming out of the door, dragging one of the boys towards the stream.

It was Jack. And in vain Kate strove to tear him from Walston.

A moment afterwards Brandt appeared, clutching young Costar, and bearing him off in the same direction.

Baxter threw himself upon Brandt, who, with a blow, knocked him to the ground.