Kulana, however, was hardly awake yet. One of the negro guards, who had had time to collect himself, noticed Kulana and his master staring at something on the hillside. He, too, peered into the semi-darkness.
"Men!" he exclaimed excitedly.
"No, bushes!" rejoined Kulana.
They were raising their voices in dispute, each sticking to his opinion, and Royce bade them be silent. Unable to decide the matter himself, he felt that he dared take no risks. Quietly summoning the garrison, he sent them to their allotted posts behind the wall, ordering them to be careful not to show their heads above it.
Then he resolved to put the matter to the test. Taking his rifle, he fired just above the nearest of the suspicious objects, not directly aiming at it, hoping that fright would effect his purpose.
The result was immediate, and though not wholly unexpected, was none the less surprising. The harmless discharge of his rifle was followed by a movement recalling the effect of a gunshot on a covey of hidden birds. The hillside seemed to start into life and motion. A number of low, dark forms sprang up in the half-light, swiftly descended the hill, and disappeared in the mist on the level ground beyond.
"A surprise for them instead of the one they intended for me," thought Royce. "I hope they won't try it again; it is hateful to shoot the poor wretches, but there's nothing else for it if they attack."
Only the knowledge of the miseries these pests of the country had inflicted on scores of peaceable villages reconciled Royce to the part he felt himself called upon to play.
He seized the occasion to impress upon his men the necessity for watchfulness while on duty.
"Your falling asleep," he said to the two repentant sentries, "might have led to the capture of the fort, and the death or enslavement of all of us. Take care in future."