little more they will be less watchful I know these whites
and their ways."

After some more whispered discussions it was agreed that they should
wait a little longer; and they lay there, in the darkness, impatiently
fingering their blades, and thinking hungrily over all the good things
they would find within that house when they had cut its occupants to
pieces.

Savages rarely embark on night attacks, any more than they are keen to
venture against unknown odds. These knew the odds they were facing: two
cool and resolute men--of Ancram's presence they were unaware--armed
with rifles which seemed to require no reloading, and who rarely missed
their aim. If such were to be overpowered, without terrific loss of
life to themselves, it must be during the hours of darkness. That was
the only chance, and even it was a desperate one. But for nearly two
hundred of them to retire before two men, however resolute, however
well-armed--no, that was not to be thought of.

The time had come, and now each supple, crawling shape moved noiselessly
through the darkness. Those who had white among their war adornments
had removed such, and were indistinguishable from the blackness that
enveloped them. On the edge of the cover they halted, listening
intently, but that dark silent house, now quite close, gave forth no
sound, showed no glimmer of a light. They moved forward once more,
those creeping snakes, a portion of them spreading out over the open
ground, their tactics being to surround the place completely, lest its
occupants should endeavour to escape in the darkness.

The circle closed in, and now they were right under the walls. Still no
sound! What did it mean? Simply that the man who had counselled
further delay had spoken the right word. The occupants were probably
fast asleep.

Softly, noiselessly, Jabula put forth his hand and grasped the handle of
the door; softly, noiselessly, he turned it. To his amazement the door
readily opened. It was not even fast.

He whispered a moment to those behind him, and he and several others
entered the room. Then, as prearranged, a blaze sprang up as one of
them had struck a match and lighted an impromptu torch of grass and
sticks intertwisted, and rubbed over with grease. More amazement!
There, in an arm-chair, with back towards them, lounged the figure of a
man. The broad-brimmed hat was pulled rather forward over the eyes, as
though its wearer were fast asleep.

"U' La