This kind of thing went on for a considerable time, the abuse being of the most appalling description, and directed mainly against the organs of the enemy's body (heart, liver, &c.), his ancestors, "his ox, his ass, and everything that was his." At length, when every conceivable thing had been said that it was possible to say, the warriors drew near, and at last some one threw a spear.

This, of course, was the signal for real action, and in a few minutes the engagement became general.

There was no strategy or tactics of any kind, every man fighting single-handed.
But to return to the battle I was describing.

After a very few minutes' fighting the enemy were utterly routed, and promptly turned tail and fled from the scene of the encounter, leaving behind them--after all the uproar and the flood of vilification--only three of their warriors, and these not dead, but only more or less badly wounded.

Quarter being neither given nor expected in these battles, the three prostrate blacks were promptly despatched by the leader of my tribe, the _coup de grace_ being given with a waddy, or knobbed stick.