to do
until the skulking savage had arrived within sight of the hut, when he
paused long enough to allow of my creeping up to within a dozen yards of
him, when the reason for his hesitation became apparent. Smellie and
Daphne were under the awning outside the hut, and my mysterious friend
could advance no further without passing into the open clearing, and so
revealing himself.

We remained thus for fully half an hour, the savage so intently watching
the couple under the awning that he had not the remotest suspicion of
being himself watched. At the end of that time, the sun having set
meanwhile, Smellie staggered to his feet, and, leaning on Daphne's
shoulder, passed into the hut.

My mysterious neighbour maintained his position for some five minutes
longer, and then, springing from his hiding-place, made a dash for the
hut at full speed, I following. When I emerged from the forest into the
open amphitheatre in the centre of which stood our hut, the savage was
some fifty yards ahead of me, running like a hunted deer. I began to
fear that he was bent on mischief of some kind, and--now that it was too
late--keenly regretted the indecision which had allowed him to remain so
long unchallenged. In my anxiety to check his speed I raised a shout.
At the sound he glanced over his shoulder, saw me in hot pursuit, and
paused for an instant, dashing forward the next moment, however, more
rapidly than ever.

My shout was evidently heard by the occupants of the hut, for Daphne
immediately afterwards appeared at the entrance. At the sight of the
figure bounding toward her she uttered a little cry and put out her
hands protestingly, calling out to him at the same time. I could not
catch the words she uttered, and if I could have done so it is very
improbable that I should have understood them, but it struck me that
they conveyed either a warning or an appeal. Whatever they were, he
paid no attention to them, but still rushed forward, brandishing a spear
threateningly. In another second or two he reached the hut and
endeavoured to force an entrance. To this, however, Daphne offered the
most energetic opposition, obstinately maintaining her position in the
doorway. The savage then strove to _force_ his way in, but Daphne still
persisting in her opposition he drew back a pace, and, raising his arm
with a savage cry, drove the broad-bladed javelin with all his brutal
strength down into her bare bosom. The poor girl stagger