When the drilling was over, John announced that the strangers had heard in their village, several miles away, of the defeat of the Tubus, and had come to see the white man who had punished them. He further explained that the negroes wished to join the forces, and learn how to march, advance, spin round, and use pikes like them.
While John was speaking, the scouts signalled the approach of a smaller band. Shortly afterwards, to Challis's amazement, a third party was announced.
It was a striking proof of the extraordinary rapidity with which news spreads in the wilds of Africa. Before the day closed, two or three hundred men had arrived from widely scattered villages, all eager to see the white man, and to learn something of his magic.
They were armed for the most part with spears. Challis saw in them the making of a very respectable army; but it was clear that, if Royce were to be relieved, there would not be time to give them even the very slight training of the earlier recruits. He did not, however, reject them. They would help to make a good show, and might come in useful, if not to achieve a victory, possibly to follow it up.
Before the night was over he had reason to doubt the wisdom of his decision. The new men belonged to different tribes, and were inclined to quarrel among themselves. Challis ordered John to quarter the various parties separately in the neighbourhood of the cave, hoping that by keeping them apart he would prevent disturbance.
But a new trouble arose. One of the bands got up a war dance around their camp fire, and worked themselves up to a fury of excitement. Then, having learnt the whereabouts of the Tubu prisoners, they made a rush towards them, and Challis was only just in time to prevent a wholesale massacre.
The ringleader, who had fairly lost his head, threw a spear at the Tubus in spite of Challis's stern command. It was clear that a lesson was needed. Challis doubled his fists, and with two well-planted blows, left and right, sent the man spinning.
"Tie him up," he said to John, "and keep a guard over him for the rest of the night. To-morrow I shall send him back to his village. These people must understand that they must do as they are told."
The fall of their leader sobered the rest of the band. They felt a great respect for the white man's fists, and remained peaceful until morning broke. Challis was sitting alone, waiting for John to bring his breakfast. When the Hausa came up, he was followed by a group of the negroes, looking anxious and sheepish.
"Silly fellas, sah," said John with a grin. "Dey say Umgabaloo berry fine fella, sah. No want him to go back."