"But that's the wrong way," said Alan presently. "They are attacking
over there."

"Do you think Jeekie fool, Major, that he don't know that? He take you
where they _not_ attacking. Plenty Ogula to be killed, but not _many_
white men like you, and in all world only _one_ Jeekie!"

"You cold-blooded old scoundrel!" ejaculated Alan as he turned and
bolted back towards the noise of fighting, followed by his reluctant
servant.

By the time that he reached the first ranks, which were some way off,
the worst of the attack was over. It had been short and sharp, for the
Asiki had hoped to find the Ogula unprepared and to take their camp with
a rush. But the Ogula, who knew their habits, were waiting for them,
so that presently they withdrew, carrying off their wounded and leaving
about fifty dead upon the ground. As soon as he was quite sure that the
enemy were all gone, Jeekie, armed with a large battle-axe, went off to
inspect these fallen soldiers. Alan, who was helping the Ogula wounded,
wondered why he took so much interest in them. Half an hour later his
curiosity was satisfied, for Jeekie returned with over twenty heavy gold
rings, torques, and bracelets slung over his shoulder.

"Where did you get those, Jeekie?" he asked.

"Off poor chaps that peg out just now, Major. Remember Asiki soldiers
nearly always wear these things and that they no more use to them. But
if ever he get out of this Jeekie want spend his old age in respectable
peace. So he fetch them. Hard work, though, for rings all in one bit
and Asiki very tough to chop. Don't look cross, Major; you remember