In fact, as Alan discovered afterwards, for generations there had been
war between them, since all the other tribes hate the dwarfs, whom they
look upon as dangerous human monkeys, and never before had the big men
found such a chance of squaring their account.
When Jeekie saw this fearful-looking company, for the first time his
spirits seemed to fail him.
"Ogula!" he exclaimed with a groan and sat himself upon a flat rock,
pulling Alan down beside him. "Ogula! Know them by hair and spears," he
repeated. "Up gum tree now, say good-night."
"Why? Who are they?" gasped Alan.
"Great cannibal, Major, eat man, eat us to-night, or perhaps to-morrow
morning when we nice and cool. Say prayers, Major, quick no time waste."
"I think I will shoot an Ogula or two first," said Alan grimly, as he
stood up and lifted his gun.
"No, not shoot, no good. Pretend not be afraid, best chance. Let Jeekie
think, let Jeekie think," and he slapped his forehead with his large
hand.
Apparently the action brought inspiration, for next instant he grabbed
his master by the arm and dragged him back behind the shelter of a
big boulder which they had just passed.
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