"They'll fight; they know that as prisoners they'll have a halter round their necks," said Captain Restronguet. "But where are the others? There were several more of the rascals."
"How many, do you think?"
"Not less than thirty all told."
"Well, here goes," ejaculated the "Pride of Rhodesia's" Captain. "Fire a blank from the for'ard starboard quick-firer, Evans. That ought to give them a shake up."
The forest re-echoed to the sharp detonation of the gun, but not a man of von Harburg's party stirred. From the trees myriads of birds, alarmed by the report, rose and flew terrified away, uttering harsh and discordant cries. Then a strange silence brooded over the solitary camp.
Captain Restronguet and Hythe exchanged glances. The look was significant. Captain Jones whistled softly.
"There's murderous work down there," he remarked.
"Sure, sorr, they are as dead as door-nails," exclaimed O'Shaunessey. "Faith, I can see it is a bash over the head as that man has. 'Twould take more than a rale Irish shillelah to do that."
"We must investigate," said Captain Restronguet.
"Don't fancy it somehow," objected Captain Jones.