To answer her satisfactorily would have baffled a Talleyrand.

But before he could frame a feeble pretext for his too sanguine prediction, a sampan appeared, eight hundred yards from Turtle Beach, and strenuously paddled by three men.

The vague hallooing they had heard was explained.
The Dyaks, though to the manner born, were weary of sun-scorched rocks and salt water.

The boat was coming in response to their signals, and the sight inspired Jenks with fresh hope.

Like a lightning flash came the reflection that if he could keep them away from the well and destroy the sampan now hastening to their assistance, perhaps conveying the bulk of their stores, they would soon tire of slaking their thirst, on the few pitcher-plants growing on the north shore.
"Come quick," he shouted, adjusting the backsight of a rifle.