Now he had come again with one of those other miscreants who at least had knelt before him and brought rum and many other presents.

A slow, burning, sullen wrath was kindled in the King's heart as the three men drew near.

His people, half-mad with excitement and debauch, needed only a cry from him to have closed like magic round these insolent intruders.

His thick lips were parted, his breath came hot and fierce whilst he hesitated.

But away outside the clearing was that little army of Hausas, clean-limbed, faithful, well drilled and armed.