244 A FIGHT. 



determined woman, not only refused compliance, but com- 

 manded the fellow instantly to dismount and go about his 

 business. On his hesitating, she unceremoniously pulled him 

 oflF the horse, and threatened to knock him down if he did 

 not immediately leave the house. Fearing, however, that he 

 might return with his crew during the night to revenge him- 

 self, and, perhaps, take forcible possession of the young lions, 

 she ordered Bassingweight and another of her servants (hav- 

 ing previously primed them with cordials to raise their spirits 

 and courage) to proceed at dusk toward the Bay to watch 

 the enemy's movements. Mrs. Dickson's surmise proved cor- 

 rect ; for the men had not gone far before they distinguished 

 the clamorous voices of a number of persons who were rapid- 

 ly approaching them. Squatting behind some sand-hillocks, 

 they allowed the marauders to come within range, when they 

 fired a shot over their heads, which had the desired effect. 

 Without waiting for further hostility, Jack instantly bolted. 

 Elated by their easy success, Bassingweight and his compan- 

 ion instantly gave chase, and on coming up with the fugitives, 

 a terrible pele-mele fight ensued. Notwithstanding one of the 

 men was almost a giant in strength and stature, the odds 

 were too great, and they were on the point of being overpow- 

 ered. At this critical moment Bassingweight called loudly 

 for assistance, hoping that some of the natives, who occasion- 

 ally slept on the beach, might come to the I'escue. To their 

 inexpressible relief, up rose from among a number of empty 

 barrels, which happened to be ranged along the shore, a Bush- 

 man. His appearance acted like magic, and instantly turned 

 the cards in their favor ; for the sailors, as it was afterward 

 ascertained, imagining the casks to be savages also, and dread- 

 ing probably their poisoned arrows, were seized with a panic, 

 and fled precipitately in every direction, some rushing up to 

 their necks in water, while others actually fell on their knees 

 begging forgiveness ! Unless for tlie Bushman, Bassingweight 

 assured me that himself and companion must have been in- 

 evitably killed. 



