I declared, first of all, that I would choose as my shield-bearers the two most expert men in the tribe.

There was much competition for these honoured posts, and many warriors demonstrated their skill before me.
At length I chose two stalwart fellows, named respectively Warriga and Bommera, and every day for a week they conducted some trial manoeuvres with their friends.

There would be a kind of ambush prepared, and flights of spears would be hurled at me, only to be warded off with astonishing dexterity by my alert attendants.

All I was provided with was my steel tomahawk and bow and arrows.

I never really became expert with the spear and shield, and I knew only too well that if I handled these clumsily I should immediately lose prestige among the blacks.
After a week or two of practice and sham combats, I felt myself pretty safe with my two protectors, and I then began organising an army to lead against the enemy.