he worst of it
was that, further out, they could see more and more Kafirs coming up to
the support of these. Then a shout went up.

"Release the two chiefs, white men, and we will leave you."

They looked at each other. What chance had they of holding their own
against such odds--but on the other hand, could they trust the promises
of the savages? This, in substance, Sketchley called out in reply.

"_Au_!" exclaimed Pahlandhle, with some eagerness. "We you can trust.
You are only a few foolish boys. Let us go, and then you may go home
yourselves. None of these will harm you."

"None," echoed Vunisa, emphatically.

"Well, and what do you all say?" asked Sketchley, having translated
this.

"I've got people at home," said one of the troopers, meaningly.

"So have I," declared another.

"Let's put it to the vote then," went on Sketchley. "It's on the cards
they'll keep their word, and then we've had all this bother for nothing.
Otherwise, candidly, I don't believe we've the ghost of a chance. Now
then?"

The two who had first spoken were for surrendering the chiefs.
Sketchley and the other trooper were against it.

"Now then, Selmes," said the latter. "You've got the casting vote."

Dick was inclined to hold out, but what right had he to sacrifice these
men's lives? Besides, had not he also "got people at home"? He
wavered. Then something occurred which decided him, decided them all.
For just then the mist parted all round. A strong body of Police,
attracted by the firing, was swarming up the hill.

The answer of the besieged was another volley, this time with effect.
All four shots told--one man had been left in charge of the captive
chiefs, with revolver ready to shoot both dead in the event of their
countrymen gaining a foothold on the ridge. Then another volley with
like effect. These young Englishmen, you see, were now in the most
dangerous position of all to their enemies--that of "cornered"--and they
shot deadly, and cool. The original assailants, who, heartened by their
reinforcements, had sprung up to renew the attack, now began to drop
behind cover again.

"Give 'em another!" yelled Dick.

"No. Wait till they show," corrected Sketchley. "No good lessening the
wholesome scare they've got of us by blazing at stones."

Even as he spoke the savages became alive to this new turn of events,
and reckoning they would soon be caught between two fires, were, with
warning cries to each ot