Seeing their countryman apparently dead upon the ground, they rushed upon Barney in a body; but the first who came within reach was floored in an instant, and the others were checked in their career by the sudden appearance of the hermit and Martin Rattler.

The noise of many voices, as of people hastening towards them, was heard at the same time.
"We have no time to lose, do as I bid you," whispered the hermit.
Whirling a heavy stick round his head the hermit shouted the single word "Charge!" and dashed forward.
Barney and Martin obeyed.

Three Brazilians went down like ninepins; the rest turned and fled precipitately.
"Now, run for life!" cried the hermit, setting the example.

Barney hesitated to follow what he deemed a cowardly flight, but the yells of the natives returning in strong force decided the question.

He and Martin took to their heels with right good will, and in a few minutes the three friends were far on the road which led to their night bivouac; while the villagers, finding pursuit hopeless, returned to the village, and continued the wild orgies of their festa..