This was disastrous to them, for, whereas the arrows had afforded but slight index as to the position of those who shot them, the puffs of smoke from the muskets at once showed the lurking places of those who used them, and Mr.Goodenough and Frank replied so truly that in a very short time the musketry fire of the enemy ceased altogether.

The rain of arrows continued, the yells of the natives rose louder and louder, and the drums beat more furiously.
"They will be out directly," Mr.Goodenough said.

"Fire as quickly as you can when they show, but be sure and take good aim." Presently the sound of a war horn was heard, and from the wood all round a crowd of dark figures dashed forward, uttering appalling yells.

On the instant the dropping fire of the defenders changed into an almost continuous fusillade, as the Sniders of the Houssas, the breech loading rifle of Mr.Goodenough, and the repeating Winchester of Frank were brought into play at their full speed.

Yells of astonishment broke from the natives, and a minute later, leaving nearly a score of their comrades on the ground, the rest dashed back into the forest.
There was silence for a time and then the war drums began again.
"Dey try again hard dis time, massa," Ostik said.