One of them, _mirabile dictu_, was the chief.

Then Jenks understood that his bullet had hit the lock of the Dyak's uplifted weapon, with the result already described.

By a miracle he had escaped.
He coolly prepared to slay the three of them with the same calm purpose that distinguished the opening phase of this singularly one-sided conflict.

The distance was much greater, perhaps 800 yards from the point where the boat came into view.

He knelt and fired.