The stars had paled and a sickly gleam played about the east and was reflected on the earth.

We could see the outline of the kraal clearly enough, and could also make out the faint glimmer of the dying embers of the Masai camp-fires.
We halted and watched, for the sentry we knew was posted at the opening.

Presently he appeared, a fine tall fellow, walking idly up and down within five paces of the thorn-stopped entrance.
We had hoped to catch him napping, but it was not to be.

He seemed particularly wide awake.

If we could not kill that man, and kill him silently, we were lost.