Suddenly, as if a thunder storm had burst over the island, the echoes of the hills were startled by the roar of heavy artillery, and, one after another, the three guns hurled their deadly contents into the center of the rushing mass, through which three broad lanes were cut in quick succession.
The horrible noise and the dreadful slaughter in their ranks seemed to render the affrighted creatures incapable of action, for they came to a dead halt.
"Well done, Mulroy!" shouted Montague; "forward, boys,--charge!" A true British cheer burst from the tars and white settlers, which served further to strike terror into the hearts of the enemy.

In another moment they rushed up the hill, led on by Montague, Gascoyne, Henry, and Thorwald.

But the savages did not await the shock.

Seized with a complete panic, they turned and fled in utter confusion.
Just as this occurred, Mr.Mason began to recover consciousness.
Recollecting suddenly what had occurred, he started up and followed his friends, who were now in hot pursuit of the foe in the direction of his own cottage.

Quickly though they ran, the anxious father overtook and passed them; but he soon perceived that his dwelling was wrapped in flames from end to end.
Darting through the smoke and fire to his daughter's room, he shouted her name; but no voice replied.