Suddenly, news was sent back from the advance guard that the village of Bantama had been sighted, just ahead; and that the enemy were running out from it.

The force advanced, and found the fires in the village still burning.

At the other end the track through it divided; but the defiance signal, a large vulture lying spread-eagle fashion, showed the line the fugitives had pursued.
This was followed and, in a short time, a stockade was seen at the foot of a slope, some eighty yards away.
How far it extended into the bush on either side, there was no means of knowing; nor could it be ascertained whether it was defended, for no signs of life were visible.

The carriers were ordered to bring up the Maxim but, before they could get the parts of the gun off their heads, a deafening volley flashed out from the stockade.

Several of the carriers fell, wounded by the slugs, and the rest fled.
The little weapon, however, was soon put together, and opened fire.
But rifle bullets were useless against a six-foot tree trunk.