The rain of
arrows continued, the yells of the natives rose louder and louder,
and the drums beat more furiously.
"They will be out directly," Mr. Goodenough said. "Fire as quickly
as you can when they show, but be sure and take good aim."
Presently the sound of a war horn was heard, and from the wood all
round a crowd of dark figures dashed forward, uttering appalling
yells. On the instant the dropping fire of the defenders changed
into an almost continuous fusillade, as the Sniders of the Houssas,
the breech loading rifle of Mr. Goodenough, and the repeating
Winchester of Frank were brought into play at their full speed.
Yells of astonishment broke from the natives, and a minute later,
leaving nearly a score of their comrades on the ground, the rest
dashed back into the forest.
There was silence for a time and then the war drums began again.
"Dey try again hard dis time, massa," Ostik said. "King tell 'em
he cut off deir heads dey not win battle."
This time the natives rushed forward with reckless bravery, in
spite of the execution made among them by the rapid fire of the
defenders, and rushed up to the circle of boxes. Then the Fans
leaped to their feet, and, spear in hand, dashed over the defenses
and fell upon the enemy.
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