At first sight it appeared that the device was successful. A small hut had been torn down to provide the material, and the blocks were thick and hard as rock.
Duncan frowned as he looked at the barrier, and remarked:
“Then it is to be war.”
“I knew that last night,” said I, “when they tried to smoke us out or burn us up.”
“Let us give them a good volley from our revolvers,” he suggested, angrily.
“Don’ do dat, seh,” said Bry, earnestly. “Wait first till dey shoot arrows. We make b’lieve we frien’s as long as we can. It gives us time to think what we do.”
“Evidently,” said I, “the council of chiefs has advised the king to make short work of us. We have probably been condemned already, and all that now holds them in check is their uncertainty of the best way to vanquish us.”
“They are a little awed by our wonderful powers, I am sure,” declared Moit.
“Quite probable,” I replied. “Is there any way to get over that wall, Duncan?”
He did not answer at once, but looked reflectively at the archway.