“Ole Thorwald is our leader when we are compelled to fight in self-defense,” said Mr. Mason; “would God that it were less frequently we were obliged to demand his services.  He knows what is best to be done.”

“I know what is best to do,” said Thorwald, “when I have to lead men into action, or to show them how to fight.  But, to say truth, I don’t plume myself on possessing more than an average share of the qualities of the terrier dog.  When niggers are to be hunted out of holes in the mountains like rabbits, I will do what in me lies to aid in the work; but I had rather be led than lead if you can find a better man.”

Thorwald said this with a rueful countenance, for he had hoped to have settled this war in a pitched battle; and there were few things the worthy man seemed to enjoy more than a stand-up fight on level ground.  A fair field and no favor was his delight; but climbing the hills was his mortal aversion.  He was somewhat too corpulent and short of wind for that.

“Come, Gascoyne,” said Henry; “you know more about the savages than anybody here; and if I remember rightly, you have told me that you are acquainted with most of the mountain passes.”

“With all of them, lad,” interposed Gascoyne; “I know every pass and cavern on the island.”

“What, then, would you advise?” asked Montague.

“If a British officer can put himself under a simple trading skipper,” said Gascoyne, “I may perhaps show what ought to be done in this emergency.”

“I can co-operate with any one who proves himself worthy of confidence,” retorted Montague, sharply.

“Well, then,” continued the other, “it is vain to think of doing any good by a disorderly chase into mountains like these.  I would advise that our forces be divided into three.  One band under Mr. Thorwald should go round by the Goat’s Pass, to which I will guide him, and cut off the retreat of the savages there; another party under my friend Henry Stuart should give chase in the direction in which little Alice seems to have been taken; and a third party, consisting of his Majesty’s vessel the Talisman and crew; should proceed round to the north side of the island and bombard the native village.”

“The Goat’s Pass,” growled Thorwald, “sounds unpleasantly rugged and steep in the ears of a man of my weight and years, Mister Gascoyne.  But if there’s no easier style of work to be done, I fancy I must be content with what falls to my lot.”

“And truly,” added Montague, “methinks you might have assigned me a more useful, as well as more congenial occupation, than the bombardment of a mud village full of women and children; for I doubt not that every able-bodied man has left it, to go on this expedition.”