The next instant Beta Moshi stumbled, the subaltern only just
contriving to avoid tripping over his prostrate body. Thinking that
the Haussa sergeant was hit one of the covering party began to raise
the machine-gun from the ground, but the Haussa was holding it tightly
in his arms.

Almost overthrowing the Rhodesian Bela Moshi regained his feet, swung
the trophy over his shoulder and resumed his pace.

The returning party were only just in time. Already a formidable
number of Askaris had broken through the stubbornly-defended palisade,
and by sheer weight were forcing their opponents back.

Faced by hordes of German levies and with the line of burning huts
preventing further retirement the defenders of the kraal were in a very
tight corner indeed.

CHAPTER XVII

WATER!

In double quick time Wilmshurst's party hurried over the stockade at
the same place where they had clambered out a short time previously.

Setting the tripod of the captured gun upon the raised bank at the rear
of the palisade the Rhodesians fitted a belt of ammunition and promptly
opened fire. Enfilading the attackers the effect of the totally
unexpected hail of bullets was stupendous. The dense masses of Askaris
simply melted. Only those nearest to the garrison escaped the
machine-gun fire, since it was impossible to traverse further to the
right without hitting friend as well as foe. Before the first belt of
ammunition had been expended most of the men who had gained a footing
in the village were _hors de combat_.

The assault was by no means over. Strong reserves were thrown into the
breach, taking advantage of the lull in the firing. Working coolly and
rapidly the machine-gunners fitted a new belt, but the difficulty now
arose that the weapon could not be trained over the palisade, which,
owing to its irregular form, screened the massed assailants.

Lifting the weapon and resting it upon the top of the stockade Bela
Moshi shouted to the corporal to jump on his shoulders. In this
difficult position the machine-gun reopened fire, but before
twenty-five rounds had been fired the weapon jammed.

The gun was served by three men only--the Rhodesian sergeant and
corporal and Bela Moshi. The rest of the party, including Wilmshurst,
had hurried off to reinforce the sorely-tried men engaged hand to hand
with the Askaris in the breach. Of the three only the corporal knew
much about the internal mechanism of a German machine-gun,