Now, through their glasses, the boys could see several German officers peering at them through long telescopes.
"They've seen us," said Jack.
"Yes," was Frank's reply. "But evidently they believe us friends, or they would open fire on us."
"Perhaps their guns are not of the heavy caliber of those at
Duala."
"By Jove! I believe you have hit it!" exclaimed Frank. "In that case, with our rapid-firers, we should have little trouble taking the village."
At the point where the stream widened out, Jack allowed two of the craft behind to come up even and thus, three abreast, the journey was continued.
Every man was now at his post. The gunners were ready to open with the rapid-firers at a moment's notice. All held their rifles ready. Still the Germans did not fire, apparently uncertain of the identity of the newcomers—or rather, seemingly certain they were friends.
Suddenly a squad of six German soldiers wheeled a small, old-fashioned cannon to the landing near the officers, and a moment later a solid shot plowed up the water in front of the first boat of the British flotilla.
"A signal to show our colors," said Jack grimly. "What do you say, Frank? Are we ready to show them?"'
"Yes!" cried Frank.