Then, snatching the saddle-bags of ammunition from the horses, we left them standing there, and I ran for the back entrance of the house, bidding Hans rouse the natives, who slept in the outbuildings, and follow with them.

If any one of them showed signs of treachery he was to shoot him at once.

I remember that as I went I tore the spear out of the stallion's flank and brought it away with me.
Now I was hammering upon the back door of the house, which I could not open.

After a pause that seemed long, a window was thrown wide, and a voice--it was Marie's--asked in frightened tones who was there.
"I, Allan Quatermain," I answered.

"Open at once, Marie.