velins; but, being a night attack, the
fighting men went alone--each armed with a heavy club, a light spear,
and a stone knife or hatchet.

Arrived at the pass where they had met with such a singular repulse on a
former occasion, the main body was halted, and scouts were sent out in
advance to see that all was clear. Then the plan of attack was formed.
One detachment was to approach the enemy's village on the right; another
was to go round to the left; while the main body was to advance in
front.

There is a proverb relating to the plans of men as well as mice, which
receives verification in every land and time. Its truth received
corroboration at this time on Sugar-loaf Island. On that same night it
chanced that the chief Ongoloo was unable to sleep. He sent for his
prime-ministerial-jester and one of his chiefs, to whom he proposed a
ramble. The chief and jester professed themselves charmed with the
proposal, although each had been roused from a pleasant slumber.

In the course of the ramble they came unexpectedly on one of the Raturan
scouts, whom they temporarily extinguished with a club. Ongoloo became
at once alive to the situation, and took instant action.

"Wapoota!" he said in an excited whisper, "run to the rear of the foe.
Go swiftly, like the sea bird. When you get there, yell, shriek--like--
like--you know how! As you did last time! Change your ground at each
yell--so they will think you a host. Fear not to be captured. Your
death is nothing. Away!"

A kick facilitated Wapoota's flight, and the two chiefs returned at
speed to rouse the sleeping camp.

Wapoota performed his part nobly--and without being captured, for he did
not agree with Ongoloo as to the unimportance of his own death! At the
unexpected outcry in the rear the Raturans halted, and held a hasty
council of war.

"Let us go back and fight them," said one.

"No use, they are evil spirits--not men," said another.

Some agreed with the former--some with the latter.

"While we waste time here," said the leading chief, "the mountain dogs
will get ready for us. Come! Forward!"

The chief was right. Ongoloo's ruse caused delay, so that when the
Raturans reached the village they found armed men ready to receive them.
These they attacked with great courage, and waged a somewhat scrambling
fight until daylight enabled each party to concentrate its forces.

Meanwhile, at the first alarm, the women and children of the village