Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-08-01
TooNTlSuED.l

We had now time 10 realize our posi-
ton. There were Eve Of us-one laid
of, however all well armed, but
my heart sank within me when ] saw
the mob Of blacks There must have
been 200 Of them swarming round the
cave. forming a half circle and dodging
behind the rocks and trees. They had
evidently made great muster probably
q couple Of friendly tribes had Joined
10 make last vigorous effort TO wipe
ont the white man.
For few minutes there was lull in
the hostilities, during which the blacks
carried on an excited discussion among
themselves Jack and DAILY knelt with
their rifles ready 40 as 10 offer a smaller
front to the enemy's spears Savile's
black eyes roamed curiously from side
to side trying to pierce the scrub. as IL
that bloodthirsty mob rather amused
him than otherwise. II Gordon showed
the dauntless stubborn pluck Of his
countrymen, Savile showed supreme
indifference and coolncss tha- bordered
on the sublime. Everything had come
sbout so quickly that the whole affair
resembled more series Of scenes from
dream than anything else And Whit
ave them all the more the incongruous
character of q dream was Saviles whis-
per TO his dog Hello, there. Samson
Look ont, old fellow Rats" And then
he gave low whistle and Hist !"
for the edification Of his canine friend.
But the most serious feature Of the
situation was that we had lost our
horses, one Of which had been speared.
while the others had stampeded.
But we were not to bc left long idle.
We could see q surging and swaying
mass Of blacks. who with hoarse gut
turals and wild. strange cries, which for
al! the world resembled those Of pack
of wild animals. came toward rs and
surrounded the mouth Of the cave. An
old fellow whose head and beard were
as white as driven snow was evidently
leader An immense feather, piercing
the cartilage Of his nose, stuck out on
either side of his face, giving him q
peculiarly fierce and sinister expression.
BE had been, and was still. q remark
ably powerful man. Carrying an arm
full Of spears behind him. and uttering
words Of encouragement. was a huge
gin whose arms were 50 long that she
bore n striking resemblance to gigan-
tic ape Most Of the warriors were
smeared with white and red clays in
grotesque and hideous fashion. We no.
ticed that there were many aged anna
cons who, like the chiefs wife, follow
ed up their respective warriors, carry
ing bundles q spears and urging them
on to the fight.
Suddenly there was wild cry. and
Jack sang ont:
Here they comet Now then. boys,
let the begsars have It Don't waste n
shot"
Just at that moment. however. as II
at given signal. the savages stopped
short, and tall warrior advanced
alone. holding out two spears with the
shafts crossed
"By Jove!'' exclaimed Jack. his face
lighting up with anticipation. 1.-The
beggar wants to settle the business by
fighting duel. What luckl I'm your
man, old Hullabaloo. Here goes"
But before he could leave the terrace
the squattcr's daughter blocked his way.
"You re not goingT' she cried "Do
you suppose for second they'd give
you fair play, Stay where you arer'
Ny mate look'si at the girl. surprise
and some other emotion l could not
fathom showing on his face. do you
really caret" he asked.
What question TO ask. But II
my senses did not deceive me there was
hint of resentment in her voice.
"Anyhow you're too late. for here they
come again. The ball has begun. Duck
your headsl They're going to throw
spearsl"