Passivity of resistance
at no time appealed to the forceful Abe. Aggression was the chief part
of his doctrine of life. He was glad to hear his chief talk in that
fashion.

"That talk suits me," he said readily. "I----"

He broke off, his eyes searching the distance, his hearing straining.
Kars, too, had turned, searching beyond the embankment.

"It's coming," he said. "It's coming plenty."

But Abe had not waited. His lean figure was swallowed up in the
darkness as he made off to his post where his men were already
assembled.

In less than two minutes the battle was raging with all its original
desperation. The black night air was filled with the fury of yelling
voices which vied with the rattle of firearms for domination. Bare,
shadowy bodies hurled themselves with renewed impetus against the
defences, and went down like grain before the reaper.

The embankments were held with even greater confidence. Earlier
experience, the respite; these things had made their contribution, a
contribution which told heavily against the renewed assault.

Kars wondered. He had said these men were like sheep. Now they were
like sheep herded on to the slaughter-house. The senselessness of it
was growing on him with his increased confidence. It all seemed
unworthy of the astute half white mind lying behind the purpose. These
were the thoughts which flashed through his mind as he plied his
weapons and encouraged the men of his command, and they grew in
conviction with each passing moment.

But there was more wit in it all than he suspected.

The battle was at its height. The insensate savages came on,
regardless of the numbers who fell. The whole line of defence was
resisting with all the energy and resource at its disposal. Then came
the diversion.

It came by water. It came with a swirl of paddles in the black void
enveloping the great river. Out of the darkness grew the shadowy
outlines of four laden canoes, and the beaching of the craft was the
first inkling Abe Dodds, who held the left defences, had of the
adventure.

Action and thought were almost one with him. Claiming the men nearest
him he hurled himself on the invaders with a ferocity which had for its
inspiration a full understanding of the consequences of disaster in
such a direction. Outflanking stared at him with all its ugly meaning,
and as he went he shouted hoarsely back to Kars his ill-omened news.
Kars needed no second warning. He pas