"I'm glad enough," replied Challis. "A little more of this, and I shall crock up again." "Poor old chap! We must avoid that. It's certainly hard on you after what you've gone through. Down loads, John. Serve out a meal. The boys can drink from the lake; but let them beware of crocodiles." "A thing has occurred to me," said Challis, as he sat with Royce waiting until John had roasted some nuts for them. "Will Goruba suspect that we are making for the fort, and get there first?" "I don't think so. He is more likely to suppose that we are returning to the village where we got our supplies. This is the direct route towards it; the fort lies more to the left." "That relieves my mind. But it's a pity we can't tell what the enemy are doing." "I'll go reconnoitring presently. The fort can't be more than a mile or two away, and as it stands on an eminence it ought to be visible from the cliff over there." He pointed to the high ground which bordered one side of the lake. "I'm inclined to think they have given it up," he continued. "Negroes aren't very persevering as a rule, and they've had enough to damp their spirits. It would be absurd to look for the same persistence in them that you would expect in a civilised and disciplined enemy.... Well, John," he added, as the Hausa came up with some roasted nuts spread on broad leaves, "is this the best you can do for us?" "Not good dinner all same, sah," said John, with a rueful look. "Get rabbit some day." "Yes, there's plenty of game about the fort, isn't there? Which is lucky for us, considering that we have so many more mouths to feed." Poor as the fare was, they ate it with a good appetite. Then Royce rose. "I'll come with you," said Challis. "I'm curious to take a look at this fort of yours." "Come along, then. It's only about two hundred yards to the top of the cliff. John will give us warning if anything happens." Taking their rifles they set off, walking round the margin of the lake. On their left stretched an open grassy space, beyond which was the forest from which they had lately emerged. The ground rose gradually. They were halfway up the ascent to the cliff when Royce stopped suddenly. "What on earth's that?" he said. They halted, puzzled to account for a strange noise which seemed to proceed from the forest on their left. At first a dull rumble, it grew in a few seconds to a succession of heavy thuds, becoming louder moment by moment, and mingled with sharp cracks like pistol shots. "It can't be the Tubus charging through the trees," said Challis. A shout from behind caused them to turn their heads. The men had leapt to their feet, and were standing in a huddled group, with every sign of fear. One, a young negro from among the released prisoners, was sprinting towards them at full speed. "We had better go back," said Royce, "or they'll get into a panic. The row is terrific. A thousand cavalry couldn't make such an uproar.... Great Scott!"