But the Professor reminded the native that they only slew in self-defense.
All at once, the herculean savage was seen to make a motion of his arm, and before the act could be understood, the terrified Bippo called out that he was about to throw his javelin.

At the same instant he and his two companions cowered in the bottom of the boat, where they were abundantly protected.
"The poor fellow is disappointed," laughed Ashman, "and he must show his anger, even if it requires the loss of one of his----" Something like the flitting of a bird's wing whisked so close to the speaker's face that he involuntarily threw back his head.

At the same instant, a heavy javelin crashed through the side of the boat, as if it were cardboard, and splashed out of sight in the water beyond.
The missile of the gigantic savage had passed between Ashman and the Professor, missing both by a few inches.
The young man, like a flash, brought his rifle to his shoulder and sighted at the savage who was still in plain sight, as if defying the whites to do their worst.
But Ashman did not pull the trigger.

Lowering his weapon, he said: "You have earned your life.".