For a moment the Indians in the black darkness shrank back from the fierce attack.

But already Horst was killed and several of the crew were down with mortal wounds.

The vessel seemed lost when Jacobs--a dare-devil seaman--now in command, ordered his men to blow up the vessel.

A Wyandot brave with some knowledge of English caught the words and shouted a warning to his comrades.

In an instant every warrior was over the side of the vessel, paddling or swimming to get to safety.