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.
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