These unfortunates had used the two knives which our men smuggled to them to good purpose.

Having cut their bonds during the night they were running to seek the protection of the Englishmen and their flag.

On they surged, a hideous mob, the slave-sticks still fast to the necks of many of them, for they had not found time or opportunity to loose them all, while behind came the Arabs firing.

The position was clearly very serious, for if they burst into our camp, we should be overwhelmed by their rush and fall victims to the bullets of their captors.
"Hans," I cried, "take the men who were with you last night and try to lead those slaves round behind us.

Quick! Quick now before we are stamped flat." Hans darted away, and presently I saw him and the two other men running towards the approaching crowd, Hans waving a shirt or some other white object to attract their attention.