because we may need them later on, at a more critical
time. These will be very serviceable if they attempt to rush us. In that
event we shall have six guns and two pistols to meet them with."

Contrary to expectations no immediate attempt was made to attack, and
the Professor again tried to attract them by signs. For a time no
further hostile movement was made, and it began to look as though his
efforts would win; but suddenly, with a concerted movement, the bows
were swung upward, and arrows began to fall dangerously near.

As no movement was made on the part of the Professor and his party, the
savages mistook its meaning, and a charge was made. "Now deliberately
pick your man and fire." No sooner had the order been given before all
fired, and four fell, two of them being, without doubt, the chiefs, as
the howling was beyond all description.

A second volley was not necessary. The two wounded men were surrounded
and carried off. The others lay where they fell, and after a short pause
another rush was made, this time much nearer to the wagon. It was
fortunate that the pause was long enough to enable them to reload. On
they came, and when within seventy-five feet, the Professor gave the
order for another volley. At this distance there was no excuse for a
miss. The leader was a powerful specimen, with a distinctive badge, and
the Professor announced that he intended to use him as a mark, and he
was the first to fall, together with three more.

Thus, at two shots, one-fifth of their fighting force was disabled. "Now
let us charge," said the Professor, and John divining the meaning was
the first to leap from the wagon. The main body of the savages broke for
cover, but several, more venturesome than the rest, sought to carry away
the wounded chief. When one of them turned to discharge his arrow, John
raised his gun to his shoulder, as each of them had taken one of the
reserve guns, but before he could fire, the native turned and followed
his companions, leaving the chief to his fate.

[Illustration: "_The main body of the savages broke for cover, but
several, more venturesome than the rest, sought to carry away the
chief_" [See p. 32]]

The rush with the newly loaded guns was accompanied by shouts on the
part of the boys, who were instructed to do so by the Professor. "Don't
go far beyond the chief," was his order; "we need him, and you must not
venture into an ambush."

The boys did not dare to go far beyond the wou