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.
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