With the volley Byrne went down--he had been the principal
target for the samurai and three of the heavy shafts had
pierced his body. Two were buried in his chest and one in his
abdomen.
Anthony Harding was horrified. Both his companions were
down, and the savages were pressing closely on toward their
hiding place. Mallory sat upon the ground trying to tear the
spear from his leg. Finally he was successful. Byrne, still
conscious, called to Harding to pull the three shafts from him.
"What are we to do?" cried the older man. "They will get
us again as sure as fate."
"They haven't got us yet," said Billy. "Wait, I got a scheme.
Can you walk, Mallory?"
Mallory staggered to his feet.
"I'll see," he said, and then: "Yes, I can make it."
"Good," exclaimed Byrne. "Now listen. Almost due north,
across this range of hills behind us is a valley. In the center of
the valley is a river. It is a good fifteen-hour march for a well
man--it will take Mallory and you longer. Follow down the
river till you come to a little island--it should be the first one
from where you strike the river. On that island you will find
Miss Harding, Norris, and Foster. Now hurry."
"But you, man!" exclaimed Mallory. "We can't leave you.
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