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There had been but six samurai in the party, two had fallen before Byrne's initial

onslaught, but the other four, recovered from their first surprise, turned now to

battle with all the terrific ferocity of their kind.

Again, at a crucial moment, had Theriere's revolver missed fire, and in disgust

Byrne discarded it, falling back upon the long sword with which he was no match

for the samurai. Norris snatched Byrne's spear from the ground, and ran it

through the body of one of the Japs who was pressing Byrne too closely. Odds

were even now--they fought three against three.

Norris still clung to the spear--it was by far the most effective weapon against the

long swords of the samurai. With it he killed his antagonist and then rushed to

the assistance of Foster.

Barbara Harding from the island saw that Byrne's foe was pressing him closely.

The white man had no chance against the superior swordsmanship of the

samurai. She saw that the mucker was trying to get past the Jap's guard and get

his hands upon him, but it was evident that the man was too crafty and skilled a

fighter to permit of that. There could be but one outcome to that duel unless

Byrne had assistance, and that mighty quickly. The girl grasped the short sword

that she constantly wore now, and rushed into the river. She had never before

crossed it except in Byrne's arms. She found the current swift and strong. It

almost swept her off her feet before she was halfway across, but she never for an

instant thought of abandoning her effort.

After what seemed an eternity she floundered out upon the mainland, and when

she reached the top of the bank she saw to her delight that Byrne was still on his

feet, fighting. Foster and Norris were pushing their man back--they were in no

danger.

Quickly she ran toward Byrne and the samurai. She saw a wicked smile upon the

brown face of the little warrior, and then she saw his gleaming sword twist in a

sudden feint, and as Byrne lunged out awkwardly to parry the expected blow the

keen edge swerved and came down upon his head.

She was an instant too late to save, but just in time to avenge--scarcely had the

samurai's sword touched the mucker than the point of Oda Yorimoto's short

sword, wielded by the fair hand of Barbara Harding, plunged into his heart. With

a shriek he collapsed beside the body of his victim.

Barbara Harding threw herself beside Byrne. Apparently life was extinct. With a

little cry of horror the girl put her ear close to the man's lips. She could hear

nothing.

122

The Mucker