Kulana managed to provide a meal from the remains of the burnt provisions, but it was the last. The men knew it, and though Royce spoke cheerily, he could see that they were depressed, in spite of their victory. Unless relief came, they would be face to face with starvation if the siege were maintained, and of relief there was no sign.
When darkness fell Royce posted the sentries as usual, and looked anxiously down the hill to see whether the enemy were still encamped below. His hope that they had withdrawn was dashed by the appearance of their fires in the usual quarters; they still formed almost a complete ring round the hill.
Reckoning up the chances for the hundredth time, Royce realised that, although a sally from the fort might break through the ring, the enemy would follow them up on their horses and, in the open country, overwhelm them.
"It's no go," he thought with gloomy foreboding. "Poor old Tom! What has become of him?"
As he sat resting his chin on his hand, Gambaru came up with two or three of the Hausas.
"Well, what is it?" asked Royce.
"Massa Chally nebber come, sah," said Gambaru in a mournful tone.
"Well? You have something else to say?"
Gambaru hesitated for a moment.
"Food all gone, sah," he began. "What can do? Must eat. Nuffin to eat. Boys all die. All berry hungry, sah."