The knowledge so acquired had never induced him to engage in dishonorable and vulgar strife; but it had taught him how and where to deliver a straightforward blow with effect; and he now struck out with tremendous energy, knocking down an adversary at every blow; for the thought of Alice lent additional strength to his powerful arm.

Success in such warfare, however, was not to be expected.
Still, Mr.Mason's activity and vigor averted his own destruction for a few minutes; and these minutes were precious, for they afforded time for Captain Montague and his officers to cut their way to the spot where he fought, just as a murderous club was about to descend on his head from behind.

Montague's sword unstrung the arm that upheld it, and the next instant the pastor was surrounded by friends.
Among their number was John Bumpus, who was one of the crew of Montague's boat, and who now rushed upon the savages with a howl peculiarly his own, felling one with a blow of his fist, and another with a slash of his cutlass.
"You must retire," said Montague, hastily, to Frederick Mason, who stood panting and inactive for a few moments in order to recover breath.

"You are unarmed, sir; besides, your profession forbids you taking part in such work as this.

There are men of war enough here to keep these fellows in play." Montague spoke somewhat sharply; for he erroneously fancied that the missionary's love of fighting had led him into the fray.
"My profession does not forbid me to save my child," exclaimed the pastor, wildly.
He turned in the direction of his cottage, which was full in view; and at that moment smoke burst from the roof and windows.