"Yes, the part we are no nearer to solving--the food supply. It is clear we are in for a siege. The men will soon get weary, as our stores diminish. We shall be starved out inside a fortnight, even if the men don't lose heart and begin to clamour." "You are thinking of making a sally?" "Not exactly. Look at the position. If we stay, we starve; if we break out in a body, we shall be pursued and surrounded. But why shouldn't some of us slip out and try to get help?" "I thought we had settled that. The nearest British station is too far away; to get to the nearest French one we should have to cross the Tubus' country." "But what about the natives of the neighbourhood?" "All who are not massacred are in a stew of fright, I expect. They wouldn't lift a hand against the Tubus." "Not if one of us, either you or I, applied to them? The white man has a certain prestige, you know. Anyhow, I think it ought to be tried; in fact, it must be. I might revisit that old chap who sold us provisions." "Or I might. It's my turn." "Hang turns! I know the old chap." "Why shouldn't I have the pleasure of his acquaintance? But, to avoid the eternal dispute, let's toss again." "Right-o! I always win the toss. Heads!" "Tails it is! Your luck is out. Fate has more respect for turns than you. I'll go this very night." "You will want John as interpreter." "It's a pity to reduce the garrison by two rifles, but I'm afraid it can't be helped." "And you had better take one of B Company as guide. They are no good with the rifle. I'll get John to choose a man." "There's one advantage to you--you'll have three fewer mouths to feed. We'll only take a little with us, and trust to chance to pick up more on the way, if we need it." "You must wait till the moon sets. That will be rather late to-night." "Yes. You'll let us down over the wall on the north-east, towards that clump of trees you mentioned. There's apparently no danger there, and we'll soon be under cover." "The idea is to bring back reinforcements, of course. They must carry their own supplies. I don't think much of your chances, but I'm sure it's worth trying." "Whether we succeed or fail, we'll come back by night. We must arrange a signal, so that you don't pot us by mistake." "John imitates the jackal's cry to the life. If I hear three barks in quick succession, I shall know it's you." John was quite ready to accompany "Massa Chally." Without imputing cowardice to the head-man, it is certain that he thought the plight of the garrison desperate, and was not sorry to take his chance outside rather than within the works. He selected as guide a strapping young Kanura named Mogra, who was well acquainted with the country.