numbers against us, I was doubtful of the result.  The spectacle we had witnessed had been one of the most appalling kind, and sufficient to shake the firmness of most men; but at that trying moment my little band preserved their temper coolness, and if any thing could be gleaned from their countenances, it was that they had determined on an obstinate resistance.  I now explained to them that their only chance of escape depended, or would depend, on their firmness.  I desired that after the first volley had been fired, M’Leay and three of the men, would attend to the defence of the boat with bayonets only, while I, Hopkinson, and Harris, would keep up the fire as being more used to it.  I ordered, however, that no shot was to be fired until after I had discharged both my barrels.  I then delivered their arms to the men, which had as yet been kept in the place appropriated for them, and at the same time some rounds of loose cartridge.  The men assured me they would follow my instructions, and thus prepared, having already lowered the sail, we drifted onwards with the current.  As we neared the sand-bank, I stood up and made signs to the natives to desist; but without success.  I took up my gun, therefore, and cocking it, had already brought it down to a level.  A few seconds more would have closed the life of the nearest of the savages.  The distance was too trifling for me to doubt the fatal effects of the discharge; for I was determined to take deadly aim, in hopes that the fall of one man might save the lives of many.  But at the very moment, when my hand was on the trigger, and my eye was along the barrel, my purpose was checked by M’Leay, who called to me that another party of blacks had made their appearance upon the left bank of the river.  Turning round, I observed four men at the top of their speed.  The foremost of them as soon as he got a-head of the boat, threw himself from a considerable height into the water.  He struggled across the channel to the sand-bank, and in an incredibly short space of time stood in front of the savage, against whom my aim had been directed.  Seizing him by the throat, he pushed backwards, and forcing all who were in the water upon the bank, he trod its margin with a vehemence and an agitation that were exceedingly striking.  At one moment pointing to the boat, at another shaking his clenched hand in the faces of the most forward, and stamping with passion on the sand; his voice, that was at first distinct and clear, was lost in hoarse murmurs.  Two of the four natives remained on the left bank of the river, but the third followed his leader, (who proved to be the remarkable savage I have previously noticed) to the scene of action.  The reader will imagine our feelings on this occasion:  it is impossible to describe them.  We were so wholly lost in interest at the scene that was passing, that the boat was allowed to drift at pleasure.  For my own part I was overwhelmed with astonishment, and in truth stunned and confused; so singular, so unexpected, and so strikingly providential, had been our escape.