u all warning. Do not slay him, if you value my friendship."

It was a fortunate thing for our hero, but not so for the natives.
Flinging their arms aside they sprang forward to bear him to the ground.
But if they had orders not to harm him, he had no scruples in killing
them. The fear of captivity and of its consequences was before him. He
struck out blindly with his sword, and when that was jerked from his
hand he opened fire with his revolver, his shots punctuating the shouts
of his opponents. But it was a one-sided engagement, and the darkness
was against his chances. Already he had almost been borne to the ground
by a huge native, who had leaped on his shoulders. But a sudden turn,
the shortening of his pistol arm, and a quick and effective shot, had
relieved him of the burden. Then two of the enemy had snatched at his
legs, while a third aimed for his back, and missed it by the merest
chance. He was about to spring again, while others were there now
prepared to take his place should he not succeed. Dick was helpless.
He had fired his last cartridge, and though he used the butt of the
revolver and his fist, he was already outmatched. The end came quickly.
The native behind him caught his rifle in both hands, and then put out
all his strength. Dick lost his balance, and dragged by the sling was
soon in a heap on the ground.

"Captured! We have him! Tie his legs and carry him off before the
other dogs can come!"

There was such a hubbub that the words were hardly heard; but the
Ashantis knew what was required of them. They slipped a noose over his
hands and shoulders, and were drawing it tight when there was a rush of
feet in their direction.

"Dere! Dey here. Come long! Fire!"

Dick could not believe his ears. He was already being dragged away,
when Johnnie's voice broke upon his ear. Then a number of dark figures
burst in upon his captors, and a fierce conflict began.

"Here I am. This way!" he shouted, as he struggled with the enemy.
"Here! Over here!"

The gallant fellows from the stockade raced after him, Johnnie being at
their head. In his hands he held a rifle, and without doubt it was his
frantic wielding of this weapon which saved the situation. With a crash
the stock fell upon the head of the native who had hold of our hero,
causing him to fall. Another movement and the same fate overtook
another. There was a scream of alarm, a few heavy blows struck by the
knives of the men