"And now don't let us take any more thought of being killed, which may prevent us from getting the sleep we want.

I don't mean to be killed if I can help it.

I mean to give those beggars, the Black Kendah, such a doing as they never had before, and then start for the coast with you and Lady Ragnall, as, God willing, we shall do.

Good night." After this I slept like a top for some hours, as I believe Ragnall did also.

When I awoke, which happened suddenly and completely, the first thing that I saw was Hans seated at the entrance to my little shelter smoking his corn-cob pipe, and nursing the single-barrelled rifle, Intombi, on his knee.