A big fellow appeared running towards us, shouting wildly.

I guessed he was the dog's owner, and proposed to pay no attention.

But his cries summoned two other fellows--soldiers by the look of them--who closed in on us, unslinging their rifles as they ran.

My first idea was to show them our heels, but I had no desire to be shot in the back, and they looked like men who wouldn't stop short of shooting.

So we slowed down and faced them.
They made as savage-looking a trio as you would want to avoid.