However, we shall see in the morning."
When night fell, two of the Houssas were placed on guard. The
Fans slept inside the circle formed by the baggage. Several times
in the night the Houssas challenged bodies of men whom they heard
approaching, but these at once retired.
In the morning a messenger presented himself from the king, saying
that he required many more presents, that the things which had
been given were only fit for the chief of a village, and not for
a great king. Mr. Goodenough answered, that he had given the best
he had, that the presents were fit for a great king, and that he
should give no more.
"If we are to have trouble," he said to Frank, "it is far better
to have it at once while the Fans are with us, than when we are
alone with no one but the Houssas and the subjects of this man.
The Fans will fight, and we could hold this encampment against any
number of savages."
A quarter of an hour later the drums began beating furiously again.
Loud shouts and yells arose in the village, and the natives could
be seen moving excitedly about. Presently these all disappeared.
"Fight come now," Ostik said.
"You'd better lower the tent at once, Ostik.
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