I was greatly astonished to behold the glee of the spectators--but, then, the keynote of their character is an intense love of deeds of prowess, especially such deeds as provide exciting entertainment.
The vanquished chief sprang to his feet before I did, and ere I could realise what was happening, he dashed at me as I was rising and dealt me a terrible blow in the mouth with his clenched fist.

As he was a magnificently muscular savage, the blow broke several of my teeth and filled my mouth with blood.

My lips, too, were very badly cut, and altogether I felt half stunned.

The effect upon the audience was astounding.

The warriors leaped to their feet, highly incensed at the cowardly act, and some of them would actually have speared their chief then and there had I not forestalled them.