Since the features of all were similar in a general way the cause was one that could not be explained.
It was a moment when the new-comers fully appreciated the value of a friend at court.

They felt that had each possessed a dozen repeating Winchesters they would have been of no avail after leaving their canoe and entering the village.

They had now placed their lives in the hands of Ziffak, and, should he choose to desert them, they were doomed; it was too late to retreat.
Many of the warriors scowled at the white men and their two helpers as though they would have been glad to impale them with their spears, but no demonstration was made.

Evidently Ziffak possessed unlimited power and was backed by the pledge of the king.
Professor Grimcke was the first to step ashore, Ashman and Long following immediately.

The three whites formed abreast, while Bippo and Pedros covered [Transcriber's note: cowered ?] so close that it was hard for them to keep from stepping on their heels.