So they were separated, but as it chanced that case never came on, for next morning this Ogula was killed in the fighting together with two of his companions, while the others involved in the charge kept themselves out of sight.  Whether Jeekie’s “ma” was or was not eaten by the Ogula no one ever learned for certain.  At least she was never heard of any more.

Alan was sleeping heavily when a sound of rushing feet and of strange, thrilling battle-cries awoke him.  He sprang up, snatching at a spear and shield which Jeekie had provided for him, and ran out to find from the position of the moon that dawn was near.

“Come on, Major,” said Jeekie, “Asiki make night attack; they always like do everything at night who love darkness, because their eye evil.  Come on quick, Major,” and he began to drag him off toward the rear.

“But that’s the wrong way,” said Alan presently.  “They are attacking over there.”

“Do you think Jeekie fool, Major, that he don’t know that?  He take you where they not attacking.  Plenty Ogula to be killed, but not many white men like you, and in all world only one Jeekie!”

“You cold-blooded old scoundrel!” ejaculated Alan as he turned and bolted back towards the noise of fighting, followed by his reluctant servant.

By the time that he reached the first ranks, which were some way off, the worst of the attack was over.  It had been short and sharp, for the Asiki had hoped to find the Ogula unprepared and to take their camp with a rush.  But the Ogula, who knew their habits, were waiting for them, so that presently they withdrew, carrying off their wounded and leaving about fifty dead upon the ground.  As soon as he was quite sure that the enemy were all gone, Jeekie, armed with a large battle-axe, went off to inspect these fallen soldiers.  Alan, who was helping the Ogula wounded, wondered why he took so much interest in them.  Half an hour later his curiosity was satisfied, for Jeekie returned with over twenty heavy gold rings, torques, and bracelets slung over his shoulder.

“Where did you get those, Jeekie?” he asked.

“Off poor chaps that peg out just now, Major.  Remember Asiki soldiers nearly always wear these things and that they no more use to them.  But if ever he get out of this Jeekie want spend his old age in respectable peace.  So he fetch them.  Hard work, though, for rings all in one bit and Asiki very tough to chop.  Don’t look cross, Major; you remember what ’postle say, that he who no provide for his own self worse than cannibal.”

Just then Fahni came up and announced that the Asiki general had sent a messenger into the camp proposing terms of peace.

“What terms?” asked Alan.

“These, white man:  that we should surrender you and your servant and go our way unharmed.”

“Indeed, Fahni, and what did you answer?”