ituation; but now that I have
returned to civilisation I _do_ see the extraordinary nature of the
combat as I look back upon those dreadful days.

Just picture the scene for yourself. The weird, unexplored land
stretches away on every side, though one could not see much of it on
account of the grassy hillocks. I, a white man, was alone among the
blacks in the terrible land of "Never Never,"--as the Australians call
their _terra incognita_; and I was wrestling with a gigantic cannibal
chief for the possession of two delicately-reared English girls, who were
in his power. Scores of other savages squatted before us, their
repulsive faces aglow with interest and excitement. Very fortunately
Bruno was not on the spot. I knew what he was of old, and how he made my
quarrels his with a strenuous energy and eagerness that frequently got
himself as well as his master into serious trouble. Knowing this, I had
instructed Yamba to keep him carefully away, and on no account let him
run loose.

Fully aware that delays were dangerous, I gripped my opponent once more
and tried to throw him over my back, but this time he was too wary, and
broke away from me. When we closed again he commenced his old tactics of
trying to crush me to the ground by sheer weight, but in this he was not
successful. Frankly, I knew his strength was much greater than mine, and
that the longer we wrestled the less chance I would have. Therefore,
forcing him suddenly sideways, so that he stood on one leg, I tripped
him, hurling him violently from me sideways; and his huge form went
rolling outside the square, to the accompaniment of delighted yells from
his own people.

I cannot describe my own sensations, for I believe I was half mad with
triumph and excitement. I must not forget to mention that I, too, fell
to the ground, but fortunately well within the square. I was greatly
astonished to behold the glee of the spectators--but, then, the keynote
of their character is an intense love of deeds of prowess, especially
such deeds as provide exciting entertainment.

The vanquished chief sprang to his feet before I did, and ere I could
realise what was happening, he dashed at me as I was rising and dealt me
a terrible blow in the mouth with his clenched fist. As he was a
magnificently muscular savage, the blow broke several of my teeth and
filled my mouth with blood. My lips, too, were very badly cut, and
altogether I felt half stunned. The effect up