A week later we moved down to the plain.

When we had been settled in our winter quarters for about two months, we were attacked by a neighbouring tribe.
"By this time I had begun to pick up enough of the language to make myself understood.

I volunteered to aid in the defence.

The chief gave me his rifle, and I picked off a few of the leading assailants, and aided in the defence of the village.

The enemy were beaten off with very heavy loss, and the chief was pleased to attribute their defeat to my advice.
"He at once declared that I was to regard myself no longer as a prisoner, but as a guest.