Next moment the muzzles were thrown up as they exclaimed in surprise—
“Why, Dally, is it you?”
“Didn’t you hear it?” gasped George, supporting himself on the side of the cavern.
“Hear what?”
“The war-whoop!”
“Of course we did—at least we heard a most unearthly yell. What was it?”
“We’d best go out and see,” cried George, cocking his gun; “if it was Kafirs the sooner we follow them up the better.”
“Not so, friend George,” said Frank Dobson, in a slightly sarcastic tone. “If it was Kafirs they are far beyond our reach by this time, and if they mean us harm we are safer in our fortress here. My opinion is that we should have our breakfast without delay, and then we shall be in a fit state to face our foes—whether they be men or beasts.”
Acting on this suggestion, with a laugh, the brothers leaned their guns against the wall of the cavern and set about the preparation of breakfast in good earnest.
Meanwhile George gravely assented to the wisdom of their decision, and sat down to his morning pipe, while he questioned the brothers as to their intentions.