They had intended to kill Ammon Quatia and then to disperse instantly before aid could arrive, believing that with his death the order for retreat across the Prah would at once be given.

Several of them had been killed by the slugs from the muskets of Frank's guard, and his pistol had completed their confusion.

The reports of the guns called up other troops, and these came rushing in on all sides.

Scarcely did Frank and his followers fall upon the conspirators than they took to their heels and fled into the wood.
Ammon Quatia himself, sword in hand, had just sprung to the door of the hut prepared to sell his life dearly, when Frank's guard fired.
The affair was so momentary that he had hardly time to realize what had happened before his assailants were in full flight.
"You have saved my life," he said to Frank.

"Had it not been for you I must have been killed.