that night, since the position was good to meet an attack if one should
be made, and the Ogula were afraid of being caught on the march with
their backs towards the enemy. Alan was glad enough to hear this
decision, for he was quite worn out and ready to take any risk for a
few hours' rest. At this council he learned also that the Asiki bearers
carrying his gold with their Ogula guides had arrived safely among
the Ogula, who had mustered in answer to their chief's call and were
advancing towards Asiki-land, though the business was one that did not
please them. As for these Asiki bearers, it seemed that they had gone on
into the forest with the gold, and nothing more had been heard of them.

As they were leaving the council Alan asked Jeekie if he had any tidings
of his mother, who had been their first messenger.

"No, Major," he answered gloomily, "can't learn nothing of my ma, don't
know where she is. Ogula camp no place for old girl if they short of
chop and hungry. But p'raps she never get there; I nose round and find
out."

Apparently Jeekie did "nose round" to some purpose, for just as Alan
was dropping off to sleep in his bough shelter a most fearful din
arose without, through which he recognized the vociferations of Jeekie.
Running out of the shelter he discovered his retainer and a great Ogula
whom he knew again as the headman who had been imprisoned with him and
freed by the Asika to guide the bearers, rolling over and over on the
ground, watched by a curious crowd. Just as he arrived Jeekie, who
notwithstanding his years was a man of enormous strength, got the better
of the Ogula and kneeling on his stomach, was proceeding to throttle
him. Rushing at him, Alan dragged him off and asked what was the matter.