“Now, boys, that is a good target to fire into,” muttered John. “Ready—fire!” Six shots more found their marks in the congested mass. How many fell it was impossible to say in the confusion produced by the volley.
“Reload, and be ready for the next.”
The first impulse of the savages was to rush for shelter, and thus left their dead and wounded where they fell. But the chief’s body was there, and several rushed forward and recovered him, without molestation on the part of John.
When the warriors fled they had an opportunity to see the result of the volley. The six shots had wounded eight, more or less; how many of them were killed could not be determined at the time.
All the besiegers now withdrew to a safe distance. It was obvious to them that their arrows were not of sufficient range to compete with the wonderful weapons possessed by the whites. Several warriors crawled up to the nearest bunches of shrubbery, and they were permitted to do so, but when once in their supposed concealed positions were close enough, so that it was no trouble in reaching them with the guns.
The effect of Muro’s shot was so exhilarating that he danced about the enclosure with expressions of joy. The boys patted him on the back, and applauded him for the masterly manner in which he had executed the first shot.
Two hours passed by, and it did not seem possible that they would attempt to rush the fort. Considering that there were fully two hundred warriors about them, such tactics, if pushed with vigor, must have resulted in the annihilation of the occupants of the fort. But the savages were wary. The Illyas had now a taste of the same medicine that the Kurabus had taken to their disgust.
Before evening the two forces disposed themselves around the fort, and the night set in with a slight shower. Muro chuckled at this, and when questioned, responded: “Cannot use bows,” and he smiled.
The rain increased, and as there was now no cover for the wagon, all were drenched. The darkness was intense, and the vigil was a constant one, occupying the attention of all. Muro stated that neither of the parties would attempt an attack in that condition, but they must be alert to resist any daredevils who might approach for the purpose of picking off one or more of their number.
Shortly after midnight a peculiar voice was heard, calling “John, John.” They listened. “Did some one call me?” asked John.