ly after breakfast, and the long, sloping
descent began. Angel was ahead swinging from tree to tree, and before
they had proceeded a mile began chattering from the tree top, in his
peculiar way betokening alarm. George ran up, called him down, and
started forward. Angel followed, chattering more vigorously, and when
George turned in another direction he ceased, thus showing conclusively
the direction of the alarm, and it was well they profited by it, for now
within fifteen minutes the savages were plainly seen.

They came forward, fully fifty or more, working their way cautiously
along, and, no doubt, fully aware of the location of the wagon and its
occupants. The crucial time had come, and George rushed back to the
wagon, but before he had fully reached it a scouting party well in
advance of the main body came within hailing distance.

The Professor, as before, walked out from the wagon, and held up his
hand as a token of peace, but to this they made no response, but
continued their cautious forward movement, creeping from one vantage
point to the next, and the wagon was then turned so that its rear end
was toward the oncoming savages.

Harry was directed to drive the team toward a cluster of bush at the
right, and they were urged forward with all haste. The yak is a
fast-moving animal, and started forward on a run, soon gaining the
shelter selected. It should be stated that when the team, which had been
named Jack and Jill, was first broken in, the animals were taught to be
driven by means of lines, and this was now of great service to them.

With their bolos they cut out a space at one side of the undergrowth,
into which the yaks were driven and thus afforded protection, and the
guns were taken out and arranged in order to enable them to be readily
handled.

Before all preparations had been completed the main body came up, and
all breathlessly awaited the attack. They halted several hundred feet
away, and the Professor sought by means of signs to indicate his
peaceful intent, but this did not have the least effect, as arrangement
for an assault was manifested by the preparations which were now plainly
perceptible.

The Professor retreated to the wagon, and his cautioning words were: "Do
not fire excitedly or wildly, and be careful not to fire at too long
range. Furthermore, shoot the leaders, or those who appear to take the
lead. Another thing, fire and reload. Do not take the loaded guns which
are in reserve,