On and up, crawling on hands and knees, came the savages.
But Benee stood firm, rifle in hand, and waiting his chance.
[CHAPTER XII--BENEE ENTRENCHED--SAVAGE REVELS IN THE FOREST]
The trench in which he found himself was far higher than was necessary, and fronted by huge stones. It was evidently the work of human hands, but by what class of people erected Benee could not imagine.
He could spare a few boulders anyhow, so, while the enemy was still far below, he started first one, then another, and still another, on a cruise down the mountain-side and on a mission of death.
These boulders broke into scores of large fragments long before they reached the savages, two of whom were struck, one being killed outright.
And Benee knew his advantage right well, and, taking careful aim now with his repeating-rifle--a sixteen-shooter it was,--he fired.
He saw the bullet raise the dust some yards ahead of the foe, who paused to gaze upwards in great amazement.
But next shot went home, for Benee had got the range, and one of the five threw up his hands with a shriek, and fell on his face, to rise no more.
Rendered wild by the loss of their companions, the others drew their knives and made a brave start for Benee's trench.