r
chaps and polish them, for porter-man hear the row."

Alan sprang up with an exclamation; in his new-found joy he had
forgotten all about the Asiki.

"Keep hair on, Major," said Jeekie cheerfully; "don't think they attack
yet, plenty of time for breakfast first. When they come we make it very
hot for them, lots of rifle and cartridge now."

"Can't we run away?" asked Barbara.

"No, Missy, can't run; must stop here and do best. Camp well built, open
all round, don't think they take it. You leave everything to Jeekie, he
see you through, but p'raps you like come breakfast outside, where you
know all that go on."

Barbara did like, but as it happened they were allowed to consume their
meal in peace, since no Asiki appeared. As soon as it was swallowed she
returned to her tent, while Alan and Jeekie set to work to strengthen
the defences of the little camp as well as they were able, and to make
ready and serve out the arms and ammunition.

About midday a man whom they had posted in a tree that grew inside the
camp announced that he saw the enemy, and next moment a company of them
rushed towards them across the open and were greeted by a volley which
killed and wounded several men. At this exhibition of miraculous power,
for none of these soldiers had ever heard the report of firearms or
seen their effect, they retreated rapidly, uttering shouts of dismay and
carrying their dead and wounded with them.

"Do you suppose they have gone, Jeekie?" asked Alan anxiously.

He shook his head.

"Think not, Major, think they frightened, by big bullet magic, and go
consult priest. Also only a few of them here, rest of army come later
and try rush us to-morrow morning before dawn. That Asiki custom."

"Then what shall we do, Jeekie? Run for it or stop here?"

"Think must stop here, Major. If we bolt, carrying Miss Barbara, who
can't walk much, they follow on spoor and catch us. Best stick inside
this fence and see what happen. Also once outside p'raps porters desert
and leave us."

So as there was nothing else to do they stayed, labouring all day at the
strengthening of their fortifications till at length the boma or fence
of boughs, supported by earth, was so high and thick that while any were
left to fire through the loopholes, it would be very difficult to storm
by men armed with spears.

It was a dreadful and arduous day for Alan, who now had Barbara's safety
to think of, Barbara with whom as yet he had scarcely fou