To their delight the party passed along fully that distance away, and did not show any alarm, but as the last of the column of the Illyas was passing from sight there was a commotion, and the entire column turned to face them.
This was the signal for the Kurabus, who filed to the left and danced about like demons at the sight of the wagon, and the peculiar enclosure at one side, which was immediately recognized by them.
The occupants of the fort showed no sign. “Keep cool, boys, and fire steadily, when we once commence. Have all the ammunition in ready reach, and merely fire and reload. Observe our former method. We must keep the reserve guns for an emergency.”
The information was imparted to Muro and his companions, and each had a gun in hand and another by his side, loaded and ready for use. Both had been instructed daily in the manner of loading and of aiming, but they had done no firing, owing to the dangerous proximity of their enemies.
Muro and his friend were impatient beyond measure. They had the opportunity so long craved to attack their bitter enemies.
The Kurabus circled around the wagon to the left and the Illyas to the right. At a signal there was a shower of arrows, all of which fell short, but contrary to expectations, did not follow it with a concerted rush. Instead they advanced nearer, and the second volley of arrows was sent forth, and some of them found their marks in the fort, and two struck the wagon.
John saw Muro’s appealing look. The latter pointed to the group of Illyas, and said: “Chief; see big man, this side.”
John replied: “Can you hit him?”
Muro did not wait for a stronger invitation, and John drew back the firing hammer for him, and told him to take a careful aim, as he had been instructed. He did this with the utmost deliberation, in the coolest and most matter-of-fact way.
He fired. The chief threw up his hands and fell backward, while the warriors crowded about him and began to set up a demoniacal howl.