Mr.Reed, however, refused to retain any of them, saying that M'Lellan and himself were sufficient to protect the small quantity that remained.

The men accordingly departed with the load, while Mr.Reed and M'Lellan continued to mount guard over the residue.

By this time, a number of the canoes had arrived from the opposite side.

As they approached the shore, the unlucky tin box of John Reed, shining afar like the brilliant helmet of Euryalus, caught their eyes.

No sooner did the canoes touch the shore, than they leaped forward on the rocks, set up a war-whoop, and sprang forward to secure the glittering prize.