ur bullets on those above," said Hans; "we must be quick. I
will take the fellow on the sunny side, you the man in the shade."

As the Dutchmen raised their guns, there was a shout of ridicule from
those below, as well as those above. "Their powder is done" was the
cry, mingled with taunting laughs. This, however, did not affect the
aim of the two hunters, who covered each his man, and the two shots
fired in rapid succession were echoed from ridge to ridge.

One of the Matabili sank instantly to the ground motionless, and there
remained, as still as the rocks around him: the other, who had been busy
in hurling stones, rose on his feet, and with a tremendous bound sprang
off from the rocks into the air: with upraised arms and struggling body
he cleaved through the air, struck against a projecting rock in his
descent, and, crashing through the branches of the trees below, fell
mangled among his comrades.

The effect of the shot on the other Matabili was instantly visible.
Those who were climbing up the rock at once retreated under cover, for
they now knew that they were opposed to desperate men, whose ammunition
was not gone, and who, it was evident, could use their weapons with
skill.

The two remaining men who had ascended the rocks at once endeavoured to
escape. One, in his eagerness, missed his footing, and sliding down the
incline, bounded off into the air, and was killed by his fall into the
depths below. The other, however, managed to effect his escape.

"They will not be anxious to try that again," said Hans. "I wonder what
their next plan of attack will be. They can't burn us out, for these
solid old rocks are fire-proof; neither are they likely to starve us
out. As long as they have no fire-arms we are tolerably certain to be
able to defeat them, and to prevent them from ascending this place; so I
am curious to know what they will try to do next."

For fully two hours the Matabili were quiet, no sound indicating that
they were near.

"Do you think it possible they have decided to leave us?" inquired
Victor.

"No, they will not leave us, you may be certain; they will try to starve
us out rather, and that reminds me that we may as well eat. We may be
busy again before long." Without any loss of appetite from their late
excitement, the two men ate heartily, and were soon again ready for a
fresh attack.

"Something fresh is going to take place," exclaimed Victor; "they are
coming again. What ha