eably to pass through their
country," observed Sayd.

"Haven't we got something to serve as a flag of truce?" asked Ned. "A
piece of white calico at the end of a spear would answer the purpose."

"They would not understand it," answered the Arab.

"I should like to try," said Ned.

"You would probably be speared as soon as you approached."

Scarcely had he spoken when once more, with loud shrieks and cries, the
warriors came on.

"Fire, my brave men!" cried Sayd, and every gun was discharged, Sambroko
picking out one of the chiefs, who fell wounded, as did several more,
though none were killed. Still other chiefs led the way; undaunted they
advanced in spite of another volley, the defenders of the knoll loading
and discharging their muskets as fast as they could. In vain Ned set
them the example, and Sayd urged them to take better aim. Except
Sambroko and a few of the more disciplined men, they fired at random.

Their assailants had almost reached the foot of the knoll when some of
Sayd's men cried out that their ammunition was expended and asked for
more. In vain Hassan was sent to look for it. Package after package
was turned over, but none was to be found. Three or four rounds at the
utmost remained in the pouches of any of the party; when they were
expended there would be nothing but the breastwork to stop the progress
of their foes. Sayd entreated those who had cartridges not to throw a
shot away. On the enemy pressed; they had begun to climb the side of
the knoll, hurling their javelins at its defenders. Sayd, in spite of
the desperate state of affairs, exhibited the coolest courage, his fire
checking several times the advance of the foe; but he and Ned had both
discharged their last round. The chief leading the way had almost
gained the breastwork, when Sambroko, leaping over it, dealt him a blow
on the head with his clubbed musket, which sent him falling back among
his followers. Others, however, were rushing on to avenge his death.

In another instant they would have been up to the breastwork, when a
loud shout was heard and a body of men, bearing an English ensign in
their midst, was seen emerging from the wood to the south-east. As they
advanced a British cheer was heard, which was replied to by Ned, and
echoed, though in a somewhat strange fashion, by his companions, who,
picking up the javelins aimed at them, hurled them back on their foes.
The latter seeing a fresh body approaching to