But suddenly they were startled to silence again by the cry, repeated softly close under the wall on the north-west side. Every one ran to the spot, even the sentries, and Royce did not send them back to their posts. For now, down the slope, they had caught sight of a dim, dark shape moving by almost imperceptible degrees towards the fort.
"Let down a ladder, Kulana," said Royce, whispering through parched lips.
The Hausa took up one of the scaling-ladders left behind by the Tubus and lowered it over the wall. In breathless silence the watchers saw the form crawl up to it, set his foot on it, and begin to climb.
Murmurs of excitement burst from the eager crowd.
"Hush!" said Royce. Leaning over the wall he whispered: "Tom?"
"Right-o, old boy. Back at last!" said Challis's cheery voice.
"Massy Chally back! Massa Chally back!" cried the negroes, irrepressibly laughing and shouting with joy. Royce bade them be silent in vain. His heart was too full to reprove them.
"Thank God, you're back!" he said, giving his hand to Challis as he reached the top of the wall. "I had given you up."
"Glad I'm in time," said Challis, pressing his friend's hand warmly.
"But where is John?" asked Royce. "It was his cry we heard?"