what other side of _any_ hill."



CHAPTER XVIII

A MEETING IN THE FOREST

In five minutes more Alan and Jeekie were among the Ogula, who, having
recognized their chief while he was yet some way off, greeted him with
rapturous cheers and the clapping of hands. Then as there was no time
for explanation, they retreated across a little stream which ran down
the valley, four thousand or more of them, and prepared for battle. That
evening, however, there was no fighting, for when the first of the Asiki
reached the top of the rise and saw that the fugitives had escaped to
the enemy, who were in strength, they halted and finally retired.

Now Alan, and Fahni also, hoped that the pursuit was abandoned, but
again Jeekie shook his big head, saying:

"Not at all, Major, I know Asiki and their little ways. While one of
them alive, not dare go back to Asika without _you_, Major."

"Perhaps she is with them herself," suggested Alan, "and we might treat
with her."

"No, Major, Asika never leave Bonsa Town, that against law, and if she
do so, priests make another Asika and kill her when they catch her."

After this a council of war was held, and it was decided to camp there