Soon after midday John announced that the fort was about three miles away. Challis ordered the men to halt. Now that they were nearing the enemy it was necessary to move with great caution. Calling the leaders of the various tribes together, he explained to them, through John, that he would leave them for a few hours and go forward alone to reconnoitre the position. They were not to move until his return. "Sah not go by himself," said John. "Me show way; me savvy all 'bout it." "I think you are right," said Challis. "I shall go faster with you as guide. Come along, then; let us start at once." They set off across the open country in the direction of the fort, John's sense of locality making him a capable guide. Presently they entered an extensive stretch of woodland, through which progress was slow. Just as they reached the farther end of it John started back suddenly. "Tubus, sah!" he whispered. Two Tubus, armed with spears, had just dismounted, tethered their horses, and entered the wood. "This is awkward," thought Challis. "If they are scouts, they may go far enough to see our men, or they may see us. What can we do, John?" he asked. "Shoot, sah," replied John at once. "That would never do. The shots would alarm the enemy. Besides, I don't care about shooting. Do you think we could capture them?" John grinned. The idea pleased him. "If we can manage it," Challis went on, "you must take them back to our men. I can find my way alone now." "Berry fine, all same, sah," said John. "Me show sah." He turned back into the wood, moving swiftly but silently through the undergrowth. Challis followed him, noticing that he was taking a direction away from that followed by the Tubus. In a few moments he guessed the reason of this. John's intention was to get to leeward of the enemy, as if he were stalking animals. It was nearly half-an-hour before the Hausa stopped, laid his finger to his lips, and pointed through the trees. Challis caught sight of the two men walking slowly towards them, a few yards apart, apparently examining the ground. John by signs made his leader understand what his plan was. They were to separate and crouch among the undergrowth, one on each side, until the men passed; then to spring on them from behind. Bending low, they selected two large bushes and lay in wait there. The Tubus came on unsuspiciously, but looking keenly around them. Challis was tingling with excitement. Would the men see him? Would they hear the rustle of his movements? Would they escape? If they did, it seemed that all chance of a secret approach to the fort would be lost. His man was drawing nearer. He passed within five or six yards of the bush. Then Challis rose to his feet, gathered himself together, and made a spring towards the negro. The man heard him, turned with a start, and was raising his spear, when Challis, stooping suddenly, threw his arms round the Tubu's knees and brought him to the ground.