They were armed for the most part with spears. Challis saw in them the making of a very respectable army; but it was clear that, if Royce were to be relieved, there would not be time to give them even the very slight training of the earlier recruits. He did not, however, reject them. They would help to make a good show, and might come in useful, if not to achieve a victory, possibly to follow it up. Before the night was over he had reason to doubt the wisdom of his decision. The new men belonged to different tribes, and were inclined to quarrel among themselves. Challis ordered John to quarter the various parties separately in the neighbourhood of the cave, hoping that by keeping them apart he would prevent disturbance. But a new trouble arose. One of the bands got up a war dance around their camp fire, and worked themselves up to a fury of excitement. Then, having learnt the whereabouts of the Tubu prisoners, they made a rush towards them, and Challis was only just in time to prevent a wholesale massacre. The ringleader, who had fairly lost his head, threw a spear at the Tubus in spite of Challis's stern command. It was clear that a lesson was needed. Challis doubled his fists, and with two well-planted blows, left and right, sent the man spinning. "Tie him up," he said to John, "and keep a guard over him for the rest of the night. To-morrow I shall send him back to his village. These people must understand that they must do as they are told." The fall of their leader sobered the rest of the band. They felt a great respect for the white man's fists, and remained peaceful until morning broke. Challis was sitting alone, waiting for John to bring his breakfast. When the Hausa came up, he was followed by a group of the negroes, looking anxious and sheepish. "Silly fellas, sah," said John with a grin. "Dey say Umgabaloo berry fine fella, sah. No want him to go back." "Oh! He's sorry for himself, perhaps; wants me to forgive him." "Dat's him, sah. Just a silly chap. No savvy good things like me; no savvy sah knock him down." Challis could not help smiling at John's notion of "good things." He reflected. It was said that negroes respected nothing but force; that they took forgiveness as a sign of weakness. Would it be wise to pardon this Umgabaloo, who seemed popular with his friends? "I'll risk it," he thought. "Bring Umgabaloo to me," he said. John fetched the negro, marched him up, and stood him before Challis, keeping his hand on the man's neck. Umgabaloo looked very crestfallen. "Tell him that he's no good to me unless he can do what he is told," said Challis. John translated this with forcible additions. "Tell him I'll let him off this time if he'll promise to obey," Challis went on. When John made this announcement, Umgabaloo's friends shouted, and the man himself tried to move forward, but was brought up by John's determined grip. "Does he promise?" asked Challis.