Then De Gayangos gave a shout, and leaped, as the boat swung past
the jetty. He landed right on Cockatoo, and although a cloud
drifted across the moon, Random heard the shots coming rapidly
from his revolver. Meanwhile Hervey got away from Date, as the
constables came pounding down the jetty and on to the beach.
"Chuck the mummy and nigger overboard and make for the ship," he
yelled, swimming with long strokes towards the boat.
This order was quite to the sailors' minds, as they had not
reckoned on such a fight. Half a dozen willing hands clutched
both Cockatoo and the case, and, in spite of the Kanaka's cries,
both were hurled overboard. As the case swung overside, De
Gayangos, balancing himself at the end of the boat, fired at
Cockatoo. The shot missed the Kanaka, and pierced the mummy
case. Then from it came a piercing yell of agony and rage.
"Great God!" shouted Hope, who was watching the battle, "I
believe Braddock is in that damned thing."
The next moment De Gayangos was swung overboard also, and the
sailors were lifting Hervey into the boat. It nearly upset, but
he managed to get in, and the craft rowed for the vessel, which
was again showing a flaring blue light. Random sent a shot after
the boat, and then with the policemen ran down to help De
Gayangos, who was struggling in the water.
Pages:
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400