carried a cheek as large and protuberant as the jowl of a porker's
head; and one had ears that stuck out like a puffed bladder. They
were helpless. We disarmed them and brought them in, doing all we
could for their comfort with blue clay and bruised plantain. It
was hard on them, I have often thought, but it saved an ugly fight
among ladies, and, no doubt, many lives. I know, if they had taken
us, D'ri and I would never have got back.

I have saved myself many a time by strategy, but chose the sword
always if there were an even chance. And, God knows, if one had
ever a look at our bare bodies, he would see no sign of shirking on
either D'ri or me.




X

The shooting and shouting and the tramp of horse and man had roused
everybody in the big house. Even the general came down to know
what was the matter. The young ladies came, pale and frightened,
but in faultless attire. I put an armed guard by the prisoners at
the door, under command of D'ri. Then I had them bare the feet of
the four Britishers, knowing they could not run bootless in the
brush. We organized a convoy,--the general and I,--and prepared to
start for the garrison. We kept the smudges going, for now and
then we could hear the small thunder of hornet-wings above us.
There is a mighty menace in it, I can tell you, if they are angry.

"Jerushy Jane Pepper!" said D'ri, as he sat, rifle on his knee,