test execution at any one point will be most
likely to cause the greatest effect. Fire with the utmost care and
deliberation. Three will fire at a time, and then, after an interval,
three more can fire, first at one party and then at the next. Such a
course will be most likely to throw them into confusion. Furthermore,
care should be taken that all do not fire at the same individual. The
one on my left should aim at the one in the party to the left, and the
one firing on my right should select some one in the group to the right
of the center, while the center of our firing squad will aim at the
center of their band."

These precautions were necessary with the new recruits. The two firing
squads were arranged in this order: The Professor, with George and one
of the boys at his sides, and John with Harry and the other boy
assisting him.

The position of the wagon was a strong one, as it was flanked near both
ends by large trees, and it was fortunate that no large trees grew near
them, the position having been selected with the object of defense in
view; but they were liable to attack from all sides, which made the
position more difficult.

The two flanking parties made their way carefully around, and at a
signal, a rush was made. The Professor ordered the first volley, and
three fell. This immediately checked the attacking party on that side,
but the other did not stop, and after deliberately holding their fire
until they came up much nearer, a fair target was obtained, and the
order to fire was repeated.

The Professor had anticipated a rush from the center party, but the
terrible effect of the two rounds had demoralized them. The reserve guns
were ready had it been necessary, and without waiting for the renewal of
an attack the guns were reloaded, and Harry and George took it upon
themselves to load the boys' guns during the interim.

The besieged played a waiting game. With ten shots at their command they
felt sure of being able to withstand anything but a rush, and even in
that case, they had the bolos and the spears all within reach. It was an
extremely hazardous, but not the most dangerous, position, since six
fighting men, in a safe position, could not be easily overcome, as the
Professor explained, and this gave all the boys the greatest confidence.

The flanking parties withdrew, and joined the others, taking with them
the wounded. Two hours of quiet reigned. The night, which was now
approaching, was the m