John, for the moment left unmolested, had time to look round, and saw with delight that Ferrier and his men had disappeared among the trees. But at the same time he realized that the enemy who had tried ineffectually to head them off from the woodland were now free to attack him, and there was a danger that he might be surrounded. The northern end of the woodland was about a hundred yards from the bush at which he had stationed himself, and there was no time to be lost if he was to get out of harm’s way. It was a straight run across the open. From his experience of negroes’ shooting he did not fear that a flying shot would hit him except by accident; the only question was whether all three could rush across the open space before they were intercepted by the other section of the enemy. Since delay was dangerous he ordered the men to follow him at full speed, and made a dash for the woodland. A few shots were fired at them, but luckily the movement had not been seen by the men he had most reason to fear, and by the time they were warned of it by the shouts of their comrades beyond the gap the three runners were safe among the trees. John felt that in the shelter of the wood the party might hold out all day against an enemy who was so reluctant to come to close quarters; but to be beleaguered in the wood would be no better than their situation within the boma, and it was necessary to press on to the south, both with the idea of lessening the distance between the safari and the force of East African rifles or Protectorate Police which he hoped was on the way from Fort Hall, and also of obtaining food. It was not easy to see how the party could cross in safety the open country south of the wood, and John felt the necessity of consulting with Ferrier. Accordingly he hastened on towards him. Soon he came upon Ferrier’s askaris, who informed him that their master, having reached the extremity of the wood, had sent them back to assist him. Ordering them to remain with Coja where they were and keep the enemy in check if they showed any sign of advancing, he hurried on until he reached Ferrier. After explaining how matters stood, he suggested that Ferrier with the porters should hasten with all speed across the open country until they reached the clump of trees in which he had left his donkeys, about two miles away. The enemy would scarcely suspect that the party would emerge from the wood into the open, and he felt pretty sure that, reinforced by the rifles, he could keep them in play until the safari had reached its goal. The course proposed was favoured by the fact that the safari, by striking off in a south-westerly direction, would soon be out of sight owing to the undulating ground. Ferrier agreed to this plan, and John hurried back to the men.