greater hope of success. The pagazis shouldering
their loads, the cooks snatching up their pots and pans, and the armed
men their runs, the caravan beat a hurried retreat and quickly ascended
to the top of the knoll. Ned, on surveying it, advised that a
breastwork should be thrown up with such trees and bushes as could be
quickly cut down, and which would enable them to defend themselves
against any enemies destitute of fire-arms. Every man, therefore,
capable of using an axe was set to work, and several tall trees being
brought down were piled one above another on the most accessible side of
the knoll. Where the ground was soft stakes were driven in, and in
other places thick branches were heaped up, so that in a short time a
breastwork was formed calculated greatly to strengthen their position.
The people were still labouring at it, when from out of the forest to
the north issued a band of warriors with long spears in their right
hands and shields on their arms, their heads bedecked with zebra manes,
above which waved plumes of ostrich or eagle feathers, while their robes
of skin, as they rushed on, streamed behind them. Rings were round
their legs, to which bells were suspended as they ran. On either side
of the main body were skirmishers. They shouted and shrieked
vehemently, and flourished their weapons as if to inspire terror in the
hearts of those they were about to attack. On they came, fresh bodies
appearing until they might have been counted by hundreds. Ned watched
them with no small anxiety.

If determined to conquer at the sacrifice of life, they could not fail
to succeed; but he had seen enough of black warriors to know that when
met with determination they were not likely to persevere. Sayd seemed
to be of the same opinion. He spoke to his people, and urged them to
fight to the last. Masika also addressed her followers, reminding them
of their character for courage, and urging them to fight bravely in
defence of their white friends, and of her and her son. The men
responded with loud cheers, which were heard by their advancing foes.
It had the effect of making the latter halt just as they came within
gun-shot, when the chiefs, who were known by their tall plumes and the
leopard skins round their waists, were seen speaking to their followers,
apparently urging them to the attack.

"Would that we had the means of letting them understand that we have no
wish to injure them, and desire only peac